Did You Know?
- The Phantasmal Poison Frog is one of the most poisonous amphibians on the planet
- The toxin from this frog is about 200 time more powerful than morphine
- This poison frog is classified as endangered and are only found in 7 locations in the wild
- The Phantasmal Poison Frog creates their toxic juice from their diet (which includes poisonous ants and other insects)
The Phantasmal Painkiller
Naturally, we need to start with the most fascinating aspect of the Phantasmal Poison Frog! No, not their name, although it is an awesome name. I am talking about the deadly toxin these little frogs have running through them. The poison found in this unique frog is approximately 200 times more potent than the powerful painkiller known as morphine. Just touching this Poison Frog can prove to be fatal as your skin will absorb the poison essentially causing you to overdose on their drug. As you might have expected, researchers have been able to extract this poison to create a more effective painkiller with fewer side effects. I am still trying to figure out how they managed to extract the poison without touching the frog!
Just How Big Are These Deadly Amphibians?
What makes this creature even more fascinating is the fact that they are typically smaller than a centimetre (0.39 inches). How is it possible that a frog this small is capable of killing an adult human with a simple touch? This is why you need to be careful walking through the rainforest! Although considering their population has been dramatically reduced as a result to habitat destruction, we may not have to be too worried about these dangerous little frogs, while walking through South America. On the other hand, you may want to be on the lookout as you wander through the halls of the Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth England. This facility has taken it upon themselves to begin breeding the Phantasmal Poison Frog and so far they have successfully bred 26 of them. This is one exhibit I would be afraid to work in…unless I was covered from head to toe in protective gear.
