What Gender is my Phyllobates terribilis Dart Frog?
Sexing Phyllobates terribilis dart frogs is widely considered as difficult among beginners; however, once you learn what to look out for they are actually quite easy to identify. Like other poison frogs P. terribilis exhibit sexual dimorphism meaning females and males showcase subtle physical differences.
Physical Differences Between Male and Female Frogs
Male terribilis are usually smaller, slender, and have a subgular throat patch (black patch under its throat). Unfortunately, in juvenile frogs it will be difficult to discern these differences. These dart frogs usually take a longer time to sexually mature than other poison frogs, such as Dendrobates tinctorius. In fact, they can take up to 12-18 months to fully develop.
Female P. terribilis are often larger than their male counterparts, are typically rounder/girthier, and have some visible cleavage on their chest. These physical characteristics are easier seen when the female is sexually mature.
Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Frogs
Male and female P. terribilis poison frogs display unique behavioral characteristics that may help you identify their gender. Perhaps the easiest way to identify a male is to hear it call. Male P. terribilis will readily call, especially in response to other males. A quick trick to see if you have a male is to play another P. terribilis call (like the one in my Instagram video below). If you have a male they will call back and if you have a female you may see their behavior change with them looking for the potential male.
Females will often have a visible response to male frogs. I have observed my females get especially active and jumping around in reaction to a male’s call. Even if I simulate this by playing a recording of a call they will often hop to the front of the vivarium to investigate. Of course, the most obvious way to see if you have a female is to observe her following a calling male or courting behavior, eventually culminating in egg laying.
Group Ratios – What Does 1.1 or a 1.0.1 Mean for Dart Frogs?
Have you ever seen other hobbyists refer to their group of frogs in numbers like a 1.1 or a 1.2.1 and wondered what it meant? Hobbyists often use these numbers to indicate the gender of the frogs in their group with the first number referring to how many males they have, the second to females, and the third represents the unsexed or juvenile frogs in their group. You may also see froggers refer to a potential pair as proven or probable. Proven simply means their dart frogs have produced fertilized eggs and have produced tadpoles. Probable pairs are more ambiguous; it could mean that the male is calling and there is a sexable female however there have not laid eggs or fertilized eggs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sexing Phyllobates terribilis requires a combination of physical examination and behavioral observation. While the differences between males and females can be subtle, understanding these characteristics is essential to determining the ratio of frogs in your group and breeding your frogs.
