Batrachotoxin from a Golden Poison Frog - Phyllobates terribilis
Batrachotoxins (BTX) are extremely potent cardiotoxic and neurotoxic steroidal alkaloids found in certain species of frogs (poison dart frog), melyrid beetles, and birds (Pitohui, Ifrita kowaldi, Colluricincla megarhyncha). More than 100 toxins have been identified from the skin secretions of members of the frog family Dendrobatidae, especially Dendrobates and Phyllobates. Members of the genus Dendrobates, Ranitomeya, and Oophaga are also known as "poison dart" or "poison arrow" frogs. However, only frogs of the genus Phyllobates produce the highly lethal batrachotoxin. The poison functions like an acid, by seeping through pores, hair folicles, and abrasions.
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Photo credit: © Phil Degginger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: alkaloid, alkaloids, batrachotoxin, cardiotoxic, dart, frog, golden, hyllobates, molecule, neurotoxic, phyllobates, poison, steroidal, terribilis
