This first monograph dealing with the strawberry poison frog covers a huge variety of aspects . Beginning with a description of the natural habitat and the distribution of Oophaga pumilio several issues are discussed: Why do some morphs of this species obviously show an aposematic colouration whereas others show a cryptic colouration? In the centre of The Complete Oophaga pumilio the morphs that were genetically clearly defined recently are presented in a table. This overview shows the local distribution, the range of colours and patterns and the maximum size that can be reached, respectively. This section is illustrated with approx. 200 photos made by the late Chris van der Lingen. A large chapter then offers information on captive husbandy of Oophaga pumilio. Frank Steinmann puts the focus here on compiling a large variety of materials that can be used to build a nice tropical terrarium, but he also recommends to consider the impact of using tropical plants. Feeder animals are also discussed as well as the technical settings that are required to fulfill the needs of a poison dart frog. The large variety of plants that is available for frog enthusiasts nowadays and that make a terrarium an attractive set-up for everybody supplements The Complete Oophaga pumilio.
Preface 6
Acknowledgements 8
Natural habitats and distribution range 10
Morphology and anatomy 21
Systematics 28
Phenotypical variation, or "Why is this frog so colourful?" 33
Camouflage or warn? 42
Evolution and phylogeny 46
Overview of morphs 59
What you should know before you acquire poison frogs for the terrarium 106
Husbandry of strawberry poison frogs in the terrarium 110
Legal aspects and conservations status 111
Where do I find my frogs? 112
The terrarium 116
Technology and climate in a tropical rainforest terrarium 122
Illumination 123
UV radiation 128
Heating 130
Humidity and moisture 132
Outfitting a tropical rainforest terrarium 140
Planting 150
Food and feeder animals 170
Fruitflies, Drosophila 171
Springtails 175
Tropical white woodlice 177
Meadow "plankton" 178
Aphids 179
Crickets 180
Feeding 182
Want-nots in the terrarium 182
Husbandry and habits in the terrarium 185
Reproduction and raising juveniles 188
Diseases and health problems 196
Pumiliotoxins – The skin toxins of the strawberry poison frog 201
Chris van der Lingen and the "Panama Pumilio Protection Project" 203
Does the strawberry poison frog have a future? 209
Adresses of laboratories 214
Glossary 215
References 218