12 Colorful Frog Species: From Tie-dyed Designs to Rare Hues

Native to South America, the this poison dart frog is both stunning and dangerous. Its bright coloring warns predators of its toxicity, a classic example of aposematic coloration.

These frogs, like many in their genus, produce powerful toxins from the ants and insects they eat.

This tropical species is a classic example of how cute and colorful frogs can be. It flashes bright-red eyes, a neon green body, and blue-and-yellow flanks to confuse predators.

Though it isn’t toxic, it startles predators by suddenly flashing its bright colors and then springing away to safety. Found in Central America, it lays its eggs on leaves overhanging water.

A visual stunner, this frog combines black and yellow in sharp contrast, like a warning sign you can’t ignore. Its name comes from a native legend about dyeing bird feathers.

Large, glossy, and full of personality, the Amazon milk frog is slightly less toxic than other dart frogs but no less beautiful. Its gray skin and bold black patches help it blend in among wet tree bark.

This species lives in humid environments and is one of the most adorable amphibians you’ll find in the Amazon.

Bright-yellow and incredibly dangerous, the golden poison frog is native to Colombia and carries enough toxin to threaten human life.

Despite its small size, it's one of the most lethal animals in the world. Scientists study it to learn about natural toxins and potential medical applications.

With a rainbow of possible color combinations, this frog looks like it was painted by a butterfly. Found in Central and South America, harlequin poison frogs live in moist environments and are sadly threatened by habitat loss and diseases.

From the swamps of Madagascar, this round, red-orange frog inflates its body when scared. It secretes a gluey substance to keep predators away.

Though it doesn’t have the same level of toxicity as dart frogs, its bright colors still serve as a warning.

One of the cutest and smallest species on this list, the strawberry dart frog has a red body and blue legs. It’s often found in Central America and lays its eggs on leaves or in plant axils, after which the tadpoles are carried to small water pools (like bromeliad tanks) to develop.

This frog is often found in the wilds of Suriname and Brazil. With electric blue skin and bold black spots, it looks like a splash of paint hopping through the rainforest. It's often featured in videos and photos highlighting the beauty of amphibians.

More muted in color, this frog has a soft green hue that blends into leafy trees. Unlike most amphibians, it can handle drier air thanks to its waxy skin.

It lives in both humid rainforests and in the adjacent dry forests of the Chaco region, giving it a unique place in its ecosystem.

This small and adorable frog from northern South America has a white body splashed with orange or yellow spots. Its bright coloring and tiny size make it look almost toy-like. Like other frogs in tropical regions, it helps keep insect populations under control.

Also known as the Cruziohyla calcarifer, this species has lime green skin with blue limbs and bright yellow sides. Found in rainforest canopies, it’s rarely seen by humans. Its unique look and rare status have made it a focus of rainforest conservation efforts.

Frogs are more than just reptiles’ distant cousins; they are living art. But with many colorful frogs facing extinction, learning about these amphibians is one way to help secure their future.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.