Species profile
About this species
The Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog is a small, vibrantly coloured amphibian native to Central America, most commonly recognised by its striking red or orange body paired with bright blue or black legs. It belongs to the family Dendrobatidae & is one of the most visually distinctive poison dart frogs in existence. Despite its small size, typically 17-22mm in length, it carries potent skin toxins derived from its diet of mites & other small invertebrates.
This species inhabits lowland tropical rainforests & adjacent secondary forests in Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua, typically found on the forest floor or low vegetation in humid environments with abundant leaf litter & moisture.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog with us in Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The best time to photograph this species is during the rainy season from May to November when frogs are most active & visible. Early morning hours, typically between 7am & 10am, offer soft light & higher activity levels as the frogs forage & display territorial behaviour.
Use a macro lens in the 90-105mm range to capture fine detail on the frog's vibrant skin without disturbing it at close range. Get low to the ground & position yourself at the frog's eye level to produce a more intimate & compelling perspective. Opt for diffused natural light or a ring flash to minimise harsh shadows & bring out the full richness of the red & blue colouration.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
