Some questions about O. Pumilio - size

[Frogopolis]

I want to ask a few really simple questions about Pumilio so please bear with me. I have never seen one of any type in person so I have nothing to go by.

1. Are some Pumilio the size of thumbnails? I know there is a range in sizes but I'm not really sure if they are normally considered a smaller frog or a larger one. I have Imitators and Vents so I have something to compare them to.

2. Man Creek, Salt Creek, Vulture Point...I've seen pictures of all three and they look similar. Am I wrong?

3. Do any of the morphs/locales get the size of a D. leucomela.

O. Pumilio "San Cristobal", please give a different type of frog that's close to the same size.

Thanks for any help!

[goods]

1. No, the vast majority of the locales are bigger than imis or vents. I'd compare the average Panamanian pumilio morphs to members of the fantastica clade: benedicta, summersi, fantastica.

2. Man Creek/Almirante is a predominantly red frog with darkish gray/blue feet that may extend up the leg a bit. They are average sized for pumilio. Salt Creeks are on the smaller end of the spectrum and tend to be more orange with more metallic silver/light blue feet and white bellies. Vulture Point is very similar to Almirante/MC from what I've seen.

3. No, none get as big as a leucomelas. The locales from Costa Rica (black/blue jeans, BriBri) are typically the largest (along with El Dorado from Panama), but none reach the size of members of the genus Dendrobates.

[Frogopolis]

1. No, the vast majority of the locales are bigger than imis or vents. I'd compare the average Panamanian pumilio morphs to members of the fantastica clade: benedicta, summersi, fantastica.

2. Man Creek/Almirante is a predominantly red frog with darkish gray/blue feet that may extend up the leg a bit. They are average sized for pumilio. Salt Creeks are on the smaller end of the spectrum and tend to be more orange with more metallic silver/light blue feet and white bellies. Vulture Point is very similar to Almirante/MC from what I've seen.

3. No, none get as big as a leucomelas. The locales from Costa Rica (black/blue jeans, BriBri) are typically the largest (along with El Dorado from Panama), but none reach the size of members of the genus Dendrobates.

Thanks for your explanation. I've now have a good idea of what to expect.

I'm about ready to begin a build and as of yet have not decided on a locale of Pumilio. Once I've done some more research I'll try and narrow it down to a couple types to consider and build the enclosure accordingly. It's still going to be about 3 months before I even get serious but at least I'll have the enclosure up and running when they arrive.

What is the name of the Pumilio that has a red body and metallic/green legs? There is a similar looking frog on UE's page that I believe they refer to as PCPC. I may be a little off on that title. Also, what is your opinion of San Cristobals? I've seen pictures of some that we're really spectacular looking and others that were not as vibrantly colored.

Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate your information.

[Philsuma]

The importer is assigning that particular frog a 'location protection' and using code words (letters) instead of more commonly used geographic terms. It is also a deeper shade or orange, and not true red. True red is a difficult colour to find in dart frogs. Most are shades of orange. It's legs are blue to grey, not green but that is more the fault of the camera.

I would guess that frog is from the Panamanian area of Almirante or 'Man Creek'. A striking animal indeed, and a good choice for a first pumilio.

[Philsuma]

Oh and 'Cristobals' are highly variable phenotypes...plenty of diverse spotting and pattern. Nice frogs, all.

Buy from a fellow hobbyist...you just may find one close by and save on shipping, ect.

[Frogopolis]

Oh and 'Cristobals' are highly variable phenotypes...plenty of diverse spotting and pattern. Nice frogs, all.

Buy from a fellow hobbyist...you just may find one close by and save on shipping, ect.

I live in Central California and there aren't many hobbyists around. Especially ones that keep Pumilios. The closest breeders would be be either the Bay area or Southern California.

There is a lot happening in the hobby right now and I want to be really careful who I buy frogs from. I've had good luck with every species I've kept and I hope the Pumilios will be a little challenging.

In your opinion what do you think I should consider when choosing my first Pumilio type? Here are the types I'm considering but these are just based on their looks and what I like;

Man Creek, Salt Creek, Vulture Point
San Cristobal
Bri Bri
Cayo Nancy - Solarte

Thanks,

[Philsuma]

Just buy from a local experienced hobbyist. If he is mustard, he will take care of you totally.

The breeders to avoid sell tiny or 'too newly' morphed frogs.

[Philsuma]

In terms of husbandry practices, virtually all pumilio are very similar in needs and care. For the newbie, probably the only species that I would NOT recommend would be the 'Escudo' morph / population and the reason being, that they are a lot smaller sized as adults and correspondingly tiny as metamorphs - very hard to notice and get feeding correctly. Add to that, that they are @ 50% more expensive.

[Frogopolis]

One last question for now...How much do Pumilio climb? Are there some types that climb more than others?

Do they need more length than height?

[Philsuma]

They do climb. As much as thumbnails. I always keep pumilio in enclosures that are more high than wide.