Ranitomeya

Ranitomeya is a genus of dart frogs that are often referred to as "thumbnails" because of their diminutive size. They range from barely a half inch long to just under an inch- the size of a thumbnail. They can be distinguished from other generas by displaying more than two colors, and seem to shimmer if viewed from certain angles. The males can be observed carrying they're newly hatched tadpoles on their backs looking for the right water hole to place them in. This is a fascinating behavior to observe in the terrarium.  Thumbnails are as competitive and territorial as any other dart frog so that should be considered when accomodating for housing.  Many times they will use the upper portions of a habitat and may appreciate a bromeliad to lay their eggs in. Thumbnails prefer lower temperatures at night so allow a 10 degree drop in temperature if possible. They grow quickly reaching sexual maturity around 6-8 months of age. Average life expectancy of Ranitomeya thumbnails is 7-10 years. They are generally considered to be an advanced frog species to keep.

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Ranitomeya Imitator 'green' (juveniles)

$

100.00    

 

 

Age: 3+ months

​Line: INIBICO x Darren Meyers

Ranitomeya Imitator (green) morph or Mimic Poison Frog, come from the rainforests of northeastern Peru. This species effectively mimics the coloration and pattern of another thumbnail dart frog species in its area, the Ranitomeya Variablis. They are one of the boldest thumbnail species being seen up front and center cage, often in groups putting on a show. They thrive in groups of 4+ provided with the right setup. Sexual maturity is around 8 months with some males calling at 5 months. Imitators typically lay clutches of 2-3 eggs all throughout the cage. Imitator thumbnails are known as facultative egg feeders, meaning that if left to their own devices, the female frog will feed the tadpoles unfertilized food eggs. In many cases this will be done under the males supervision. In fact, the male usually orchestrates the feeding, by calling the female to the particular bromeliad or film canister to lay the eggs for the tadpole. Due to their monogamy and parental care this family of dart frogs are able to exploit tiny pools that are otherwise nutritionally inadequate for other arboreal frog species. These imitators make a great introductory thumbnail species.

Ranitomeya 'Vanzolinii' (juvenile)

$

125.00    

 

 

Age: 3 months

Line: Phil Tan

Ranitomeya Vanzolinii or Spotted Poison Frog, range from central Peru into Brazil. They thrive in small groups provided they have a vertical setup with many places to hide and lay eggs. Sexual maturity is around 8 months with some males calling at 5 months. Vanzoliniis typically lay clutches of 1-3 white eggs on leaf surfaces, bromeliads, or the side of the enclosure. Vanzoliniis are known as facultative egg feeders, meaning that if left to their own devices, the female frog will feed the tadpoles unfertilized food eggs. In many cases this will be done under the males supervision. In fact, the male usually orchestrates the feeding, by calling the female to the particular bromeliad or film canister to lay the eggs for the tadpole. Due to heir monogamy and parental care this family of dart frogs are able to exploit tiny pools that are otherwise nutritionally inadequate for other arboreal frog species.

Ranitomeya Ventrimaculata 'grey leg' (adult)

$

55.00    

 

 

Age: 3 months

Line: Understory Enterprises

Ranitomeya Ventrimaculata Grey Leg, or Amazonian Poison Frog, come from French Guiana. They are one of the most easily kept thumbnail species and breed readily laying clutches of 5-12 eggs just under the water line in a bromeliad or film canister. They startle quickly so are considered to be somewhat of a shy species, but they are best seen early mornings or before dusk. They are arboreal by nature so the more hiding spots and vertical space they have the more they will venture out into the open areas of the enclosure. They do best in small groups and have film canister pool parties regularly. Ventrimaculata are a hardy, easy to keep species and make a great starter thumbnail species for anyone looking to expand their collection.