Did you know that there are a number of frog species that pose a greater threat to humans than toads? In fact, a few are known to produce venom so potent that it only takes a drop to kill as many as 10 people. While the chances of encountering and being exposed to a poisonous frog are minimal at best, it’s still important to be able to recognize them just in case your paths inadvertently cross one day.
Giant Leaf Frog
This bright green frog with a off-white underbelly is well-known for secreting venom through its skin that has a potent, sedating effect. Aside from being able disorient or render prey unconscious, the toxins also can produce severe hallucinations and digestive problems. Fortunately, the leaf frog uses its venom primarily as a defensive measure instead of a way to catch prey. Consequently, being attacked is unlikely unless you pose an immediate threat.
Golfodulcean Poison Frog
This is a medium-sized frog that is primarily found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It has bluish-green spotted legs and underside and a black top with orange stripes. While it is not as venomous as other frogs, the way the toxins interact with the body can create serious and life-threatening impairments. Effects of exposure include excruciating, burning pain, seizures and even paralysis. In fact, people who have eaten the frog commonly report losing feeling in their mouths and throat for long periods of time, and this can make speaking, breathing and swallowing difficult.
Phantasmal Poison Frog
This tiny red and white striped frog may look innocuous, but don’t let their small size fool you. Their venom is so potent that even mild exposure can be debilitating. It contains a compound that is similar to morphine, but it is around 200 times stronger. Consequently, exposure can lead to an overdose that can induce a coma, shut down respiratory systems or cause the heart to stop beating.
Kokoe Poison Dart Frog
This black frog with yellow stripes only reach about an inch in size as adults, but they can live for more than 10 years. They contain a venom that has acid-like properties that can be absorbed by the skin and pores. Victims of exposure commonly report tremendous pain along with high fever, paralysis and seizures. The venom is so effective at immobilizing humans that tribal warriors throughout Central and South America are thought to have used the venom on arrows and darts to take out human threats.
Black-Legged Dart Frog
This is another tiny frog that packs a deadly, venomous punch. They usually have a dark yellow head and body that transition into a dark green color on the legs and abdominal underside. It only takes about 150 micrograms, or a tenth of a milligram, to kill a human, but even those who are exposed to smaller doses can experience severe and debilitating effects. Aside from violent seizures, high fever and blinding pain, the toxins also cause respiratory as well as muscular paralysis. Many people who succumbed to the venom ended up choking, and ultimately drowning, on their own fluids as their respiratory system shut down.
Fortunately, the most-common route of poisoning usually involves coming into direct contact with a toxic frog. Consequently, keeping a respectable distance and wearing gloves and surgical mask can significantly-reduce the threat of exposure. It’s also worth mentioning that many, but not all, poisonous frogs have beautiful and distinctive colors. Consequently, chances are pretty good that the plain, dull-colored frogs that are common in North America and Europe are safe to handle and eat.
However, it’s still wise to be mindful of what species may be your area, just to be on the safe side.
