10 Most Poisonous Frogs on Earth

1) Dendrobates azureus:

As children, many of us kept frogs we had found in jars and vivariums, or just took them home to show to our friends. The frogs on this list are a different ball of wax, not creatures anyone in their right mind would want to play with or even touch - in many cases, in fact, they are deadly poisonous.

2) Golden poison dart frog

These frogs use their poison solely for self-defense, not to kill prey, and what a good defense against predators it is. Many of them are poison dart frogs known for their use in making arrow poisons. Beautiful but deadly – it's definitely a case of look but don't touch with these suckers!

3. Giant Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor)

This extremely interesting frog, also known as the monkey frog, secretes a mild poison that can have a variety of effects, ranging from sedation and gastric upset to hallucinations. Amazingly, indigenous Amazonian tribes deliberately use it on themselves. The tribespeople apply the poison to self-inflicted burns or other breaks in the skin in order to gain a feeling of refreshment, as well as certain opioid effects. Put simply, this is a frog that can get you high! The giant leaf frog is also under threat from biopiracy because some of its toxic ingredients may be of use in treating AIDS and cancer.

4. Dyeing Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)

The third largest of the poison dart frogs, at approximately two inches, this big old frog employs poison in self-defense and comes in many different colors and patterns. What is really unique about the dyeing dart frog is the way indigenous tribes of the Guiana Shield make use of it. The tribespeople massage the skin of juvenile parrots with the frog, and the toxic effect of its poison makes the birds' feathers grow in different colors – hence the frog's name. The poison is also used by the tribes for hunting purposes, however, so don't try this at home!

5. Red-backed Poison Frog (Ranitomeya reticulatus)

The second most poisonous frog in its genus, after the splash-backed poison frog, Peru's red-backed poison frog has a toxicity that is considered 'moderate'. That doesn't mean you can take this little fellow lightly, though: it can still do humans serious injury and kill animals such as chickens. The frog's poison is thought to derive from the neurotoxic venom of the ants it eats and is stored in its skin glands – a great defense against would-be attackers not deterred by its warning colors. Considering the fact that there is only one ground snake (Leimadophis epinephelus) which has a slight resistance to this and other poison arrow frogs' poison, this critter doesn't plan on becoming a meal any time soon!

6. Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio)

With its bright red skin, the tiny strawberry poison dart frog, native to Central America, is one of the most beautiful of the species listed here. Its poison is pretty toxic stuff, causing swelling and a burning sensation, but is still far weaker than that of the Phyllobates genus of poison dart frogs, for example. 7. Lovely Poison Frog (Phyllobates lugubris)

Also known as the striped poison dart frog, Central America's lovely poison frog is the least toxic in thePhyllobates genus, and yet it still produces dangerous toxins. The amount of toxin is thought to be comparatively low, ranging from nothing to 0.8 micrograms, but this frog is still far from harmless and can cause heart failure in predators that risk eating it. Don't be fooled by its name! (Well, it does look quite lovely.)

 8. Golfodulcean Poison Frog (Phyllobates vittatus)

The Golfodulcean poison frog is strikingly colored and named for the stripes running down its back. While it is the fourth most toxic of the Phyllobates genus, it contains noticeably less poison than the three species ahead of it in the toxicity stakes. Even so, it's seriously toxic, with poison that can cause excruciating pain, mild seizures, and even paralysis in some cases. It's been reported that tasting this frog (who tastes poisonous frogs deliberately?) leads to "lingering, almost numb sensation on the tongue, followed by a disagreeable tightening sensation in the throat." We're pretty sure that's just the beginning.

 9. Splash-backed Poison FrogRanitomeya variabilis

A tree-dwelling species found in the rainforest of Ecuador and Peru, the splash-backed poison frog is the most toxic member of its genus, with the secretions from its skin said to be capable of killing up to five humans. Its mottled coloring may look pretty, but the message is simple: steer clear.

 10. Phantasmal Poison Frog (Epipedobates tricolor)

This killer frog is absolutely tiny but has a toxicity that belies its size. Less than half an inch long in some cases, it packs an incredibly powerful punch. Its poison can easily kill would-be predators and humans alike, but it is also unique due to the fact that a painkiller 200 times more powerful than morphine – called epibatadine– has been developed from it. Endangered in their native Ecuador, Phantasmal poison frogs are being bred in captivity by scientists who are also attempting to maintain their toxicity. Gloves and face masks are a must!