The strawberry poison dart frogs are highly territorial. A male defends his territory to the death, especially if it is a prime breeding location. The strawberry poison dart frogs live in tropical, forested regions. The poison was used to produce effective weapons for these peoples. The strawberry poison dart frogs are the best known of the dart frogs and have made their appearances on T-shirts, magazine covers, and notecards.
Scientists are very interested in the dart frogs and in batrachotoxins that they secrete.
These toxins may prove valuable for medical science, particularly the study of anesthetics, muscle relaxants, cardiac stimulants, and control of fibrillation. The bright colors of D. pumilio warn predators that these tiny frogs produce strong toxins by way of special poison glands. National Aquarium in Baltimore. McVey, Margaret E., Zahary, Robert G., Perry, Diane, and MacDougal, John. Courtship Behavior and Oviposition of the Poison-Arrow Frog Dendrobates Pumilio.