Reptiles & Amphibians

Wildlife Conservation Society

This brilliant green, tree-dwelling snake can often be found coiled over a branch in its rainforest home. The white pattern on its scales mimics the spots of sunlight that filter through the tree canopy.

The brilliant colors and patterns of the tiny dart poison frogs aren't merely ornamental: they also warn would-be predators. If ingested, the frog's toxic skin chemicals can cause numbness, paralysis, and occasional death. Due to their symbolic exteriors, these amphibians are considered aposematic. The root of that big word? “Apo” means “away;” “sematic” means “sign.”