Ranitomeya imitator
Description
Ranitomeya imitator (Schulte, 1986), also known as the Mimic Poison Frog, measures around 17 - 21 mm. Their colour pattern mimics other Ranitomeya species in the same area. This is called Müllerian mimicry. They are true imitators and confusion can exist between the original species with a certain colour pattern and the imitators.
For an overview of Ranitomeya imitator variants, visit Dendrowiki.org.
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Habitat
Their habitats are lowland rainforests but they can also be found at altitudes of 950 meter.
They like to climb in trees up to several meters high. Eggs are laid on vertical surfaces like leaf axils of Heliconia, Xanthosoma or Dieffenbachia. Tadpoles are also dropped in tree holes.
For an idea of their natural habitat, visit Dendrowiki.org.
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IUCN status of endangered species
The IUCN status of Ranitomeya imitator is 'Least Concern,' meaning it is unlikely to become endangered or extinct in the near future. However, in some populations they are threatened by localized habitat loss and illegal pet trade to some degree according to AmphibiaWeb.
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Vivarium care and breeding
They can be housed in pairs or trios with only one male. Males are very competitive towards other males.
Imitator frogs lay eggs on vertical surfaces above water. Bromeliads are suitable or as an alternative vertical film canisters filled with water and a leaf sticking out of the water. They do care for their tadpoles. Tadpoles are fed with non fertile eggs by the female frog. The best way to raise frogs is to leave them alone and let the parent frogs do the work. However, if you do take tadpoles out of your vivarium, be aware that they are cannibalistic and must be raised separately.
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For a care sheet, visit Dendroboard.com.
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