Prince or Frog

If I am correct, this is the Strawberry poison-dart frog (Oophaga Pumilio), but please, do correct me if I am wrong, as I am not a herpetologist. Strawberry poison-dart frogs can grow to about 2 cm, but this little fella was only about 1 cm, probably still somewhere in it’s teens.

You can find this little frog deep in the jungles of central America. Luckily for me they can also be found closer to civilization. This particular specimen I found in a pond next to a path, only a stone’s throw away from a parking lot.

The skin of these frogs is actually poisonous and these frogs and their brethren are called “poison-dart frogs” because Native Americans use their toxic secretions to poison the tips of blowdarts.

I had a surprisingly hard time to find one to sit still for me. They are very small, and deceptively fast, and I did not exactly have the ability to lay down on the ground (I would if I could).

Combine that with the fact this photo is not taken with a macro lens, but a telephoto lens (translated from photographer speak: not a small one but one that is large and heavy) I spend waaaay to much time on these little critters.

Luckily, at the end, I found one that not only sat still for me, but even sort of posed for me. He slightly changed position every so often as if he wanted me to find the best possible angle on him.

I am very happy with the result, but what do you think?

I still do not know if this frog would have turned into a prince, as I was advised against kissing them.

I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I do. If you do, why not follow me on Instagram: @jackoleenders. It will help me out greatly! 😇