Poison dart frogs often have very brightly colored skin as a form of warning coloration, known as aposematism. These vibrant colors serve as a visual signal to potential predators that the frogs are toxic or distasteful. The frogs secrete toxins through their skin, which can be harmful or even lethal to predators if ingested.
The bright colors of poison dart frogs, such as vivid yellows, blues, greens, oranges, and reds, help predators learn to associate those colors with the danger of toxicity. Once predators learn to recognize these warning colors, they are less likely to attack the frogs, reducing the risk of predation.
It's important to note that not all brightly colored frogs are poisonous, but many species of poison dart frogs have evolved striking color patterns as a defense mechanism against predators.
