Scientific name

Ranitomeya imitator

Ranitomeya imitator is a species with several colour forms. A commercial variation does not automatically constitute an additional species. [3]

Origin

Forests of northern and northeastern Peru. [1]

  • Natural-history profile
  • Diurnal
  • Climbing
  • Insectivorous
  • Parental care

At a glance

Ranitomeya imitator is a species with several colour forms. A commercial variation does not automatically constitute an additional species. [3]

DOCUMENTED SIZE13–20 mm
13–20 mm snout–vent length in the consulted experimental paper. [4]
LIFESPAN8–12 years
Detroit Zoo publishes an 8–12-year guideline; this figure does not predict an individual's lifespan. [1]
LIFESTYLEVegetation
Small frog that climbs vegetation; partner relationships and territories have been studied in the wild. [1][2]

Adult size

13–20 mm snout–vent length in the consulted experimental paper. [4]

Lifespan

Detroit Zoo publishes an 8–12-year guideline; this figure does not predict an individual's lifespan. [1]

Lifestyle

Small frog that climbs vegetation; partner relationships and territories have been studied in the wild. [1][2]

Housing

ENVIRONMENT AND LAYOUT

Supports and refuges — No minimum terrarium size or thermal setting is inferred from wild territory area. A captive reference remains necessary.

No minimum terrarium size or thermal setting is inferred from wild territory area. A captive reference remains necessary.

Care parameters

CAPTIVE PARAMETERS

To be documented — Descriptions of the natural environment do not establish terrarium settings.

Humidity

To be documented — No sufficiently documented captive percentage is retained.

Temperatures, humidity and UVB

To be documented Behavioural papers are not enclosure setup sheets.

Identification of forms

One species, several forms [3] Retain locality separately from the scientific name.

Feeding

FEEDING

Small prey suited to adults; tadpole feeding is distinct. [1][2]

Care of young

The study by Brown, Morales and Summers documents biparental care and provision of trophic eggs to tadpoles in small water reservoirs. This process does not guarantee compatibility between two captive animals. [2]

Feeding and monitoring

Detroit Zoo lists small insects in the diet. Prey size, observed consumption and stage must remain distinct data in the log. [1]

Avoid duplicate entries

The genus revision treats colour variation within the species. Locality names may serve as filters or aliases, not new species profiles without taxonomic justification. [3]

Checklist

  • Verify the animal's identity and origin before acquisition.
  • Prepare housing and check measurements before arrival.
  • Keep contact details for a veterinarian familiar with this group.

Observations to record

  • Meals offered and actually consumed
  • Weight, size and body changes
  • Environmental measurements and maintenance
  • Behaviours, observations and dated events

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. Detroit Zoo — Mimic Poison Frog
    Source accessed
  2. Brown, Morales & Summers 2010 — Biparental care and monogamy
    Source accessed
  3. Brown et al. 2011 — Revision of Ranitomeya
    Source accessed
  4. Journal of Experimental Biology 2024 — Individual vocal recognition
    Source accessed