Like all dendrobatids, it does not manufacture its poison itself, but rather is theorized to take the toxins from the ants, mites, and beetles on which it lives.

Amazonian ground snakes have a limited resistance to the poison, and occasionally will attack such frogs.

[2] As they are very small, they often attempt to advertise their poison by flaunting such colors or by ascending trees to escape from predators.

R. reticulata are more slimly built than many dendrobatids, which combined with their small size, gives them the ability to squeeze into minute hiding places.

As with other poison dart frogs, the males court the females by calling to capture their attention, and then by gently stroking and licking them.

Once the tadpoles become froglets, they are led by their parents to an existing group of red-backed poison frogs [citation needed].

Their small size, breeding difficulties, and generally difficult care relative to other darts shows through high mortality rates with novice keepers.

It is also recommended to only keep them in pairs unless the tank size is substantial (55 gallons or larger), as there are many witness accounts and anecdotal reports of heavy same-sex aggression in smaller enclosures.

[3] The frog's range includes at least one protected park: Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo Mishana.