Varadero Imitators bred

[John]

I got a pair of "Varadero" race Imitating Dart Frogs (Ranitomeya/Dendrobates imitator) just over a month ago, and I've been watching them like a hawk to see if they had bred. The male started calling within 24 hours of going into his terrarium when I originally got them. On a side note, his call was distinctly higher in pitch than my other races of imitator - I could always tell when it was him instead of the other males.

Anyhow, I spotted the male in the terrarium just after lights out yesterday and then I saw something squirm on his back. I didn't get a good look because he disappeared into the leaf litter, but I thought it was probably a tadpole. This morning I spotted him again and this time he definitely had a tiny tadpole on his back. I'm well pleased and I'm going to try to get a transport photo if I can. Here are the proud parents:

Dad:


Mom:

[Ebony]

Congarts John. How exciting. Such beautiful frogs, they are so fascinating. I'll look forward to the photo's.

[KennyDB]

They really are breathtaking! Congrats on the breeding!

[John]

Thanks guys .

[Kurt]

So sweet! They remind me of Ranitomeya benedicta, a frog I would love to have.

[Tropicok]

Absolutely beautiful! Keep us posted on the little fellas.

[joshsfrogs]

Those frogs are pretty cool...if you are in to jaw-dropping, stunning, beautiful animals...

[Kurt]

Personally, I like brown, drab, mundane frogs.

[Skulldroog]

Congratulations!

Looking forward to seeing photos.

[scribbles]

Gorgeous frogs, congrats!

[John]

Managed to photograph the male transporting a tadpole today.

[scribbles]

Great photos!

[Kurt]

That is an awesome picture.

[KennyDB]

Eyecandy

[Ebony]

Amazing John,

[Paul Rust]

Incredible pictures John. I wish I lived closer, I would love you to photograph my R.amazonicas. Nicely done.

[fruggit]

Hi John Im new here and to frogs and will like to learn more .something so small and yet so colorful and majestic like your frogs,he looks like a good father ,lol great pics should be in natgeo

[John]

Thanks for the compliments! I'm very happy with this pair, though they are more secretive than my other imitators.

[Kurt]

You will have to come up some time and photograph a few of mine. The Sphaenorhynchus lacteus and Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis come to mind. Serious I would consider a coffee table book of some spectacular amphibians.

[Woodsman]

Hi John,

Great photos of a great frog. Erick G. gave me a group a few weeks ago and they are really beautiful. They tend to come out mostly in the late afternoon, but otherwise are pretty wary. I wonder if you found this to be the case.

great site, BTW. Thanks! Richard.