Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Southern Variabilis Poison Dart Frog, Southern Variable Dart Frog.
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Variabilis = “variable,” named for the species’ wide range of color and pattern morphs.
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The “Southern” morph refers to populations from southern Peru, which show distinctive coloration compared to northern/local morphs.
Characteristics
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Small arboreal dart frog with bold coloration.
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Active and visual, often perching on leaves and mid-level plants.
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Known for being one of the more adaptable Ranitomeya species in captivity.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio.
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Taller enclosures (24” high or more) preferred, with bromeliads and vertical climbing options.
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Provide live plants, leaf litter, cork, and multiple hiding areas.
Temperature
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: small insects — Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei fruit flies, springtails, isopods.
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Feed daily; dust prey with calcium and vitamins several times weekly.
Color/Pattern
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The Southern morph typically shows a bright yellow or green body with heavy black reticulated (net-like) markings.
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Limbs are usually blue or turquoise with black webbing.
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Pattern is less variable than northern/local morphs, with a more consistent reticulated look.
Social Behavior
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Best housed in pairs or trios; small groups possible if space is sufficient.
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Males may call frequently; visual barriers reduce territorial stress.
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Not as aggressive as Oophaga, but still monitor group interactions.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with soft buzzing/trill calls.
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Females: larger, rounder when gravid.
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Juveniles can be difficult to sex until maturity.
How to Breed
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Provide film canisters, petri dishes, or bromeliads for egg laying.
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Males call to attract females; eggs are deposited on smooth, moist surfaces.
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Parents transport tadpoles individually to bromeliads or small water pools.
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Tadpoles feed on detritus and microfauna; some parental care may include egg feeding depending on locality.
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Metamorphosis occurs in ~2–3 months.
🌿 The Southern R. variabilis is admired for its clean, reticulated pattern and vivid blue legs, making it one of the more visually striking Ranitomeya morphs.
