This is a confusing little cluster of frog forms and potential subspecies. Just as the “imitator” group of frogs all share a similar breeding strategy and method, so do the frogs of this group. In general frogs of this group lay larger clutches of eggs, which are deposited at the edge of small bodies of water, typically bromeliad axils, or film canisters in the terrarium. Frogs that fall into this group include all the various ventrimaculatus frogs, D. amazonicus forms, and D. variablis.

As is typical of many dart frogs, this group seems to have split into a myriad of species, subspecies, and forms. Every valley has its own variant it seems, and its not easy keeping them separate. To make matters even more confusing, one form of ventrimaculatus has shown up all the way on the eastern edge of the South American continent, in French Guiana. This was one of the first thumbnail frogs in the hobby, and in fact most ventrimaculatus in the US hobby are from this locality.

French Guiana vents

Terrestrial frogs, but will climb No special requirements, ten gallons, ten gallon talls, fifteen gallon or twenty tall tanks all make good choices.

This frog seems to do well in small groups, and I have had at least one trio do well for me. However most of the negative results predicted for the other thumbnail frogs in group settings are possible with the vents, particularly in smaller tanks, so use caution and watch them closely.

This is a great entry level thumbnail frog, quite durable and easy to keep.

Most often kept by themselves, but experienced keepers might try keeping them in tanks with larger species. Allow plenty of room.

Fairly widespread, and in many collections, but not as numerous as the most other thumbnails, and difficulty in breeding seems to keep them from expanding their foothold. Not a great diversity of bloodlines.

• Thumbnail caresheet
• European sites' thumbnail morph guide
• Swedish quinquevittatus group guide