Agonopterix alstroemeriana alkaloids obtained from its host plant. They also have the advantage of local predators being less familiar with the species because they are non-native. The caterpillar may also benefit from the toxic alkaloids present in the poison hemlock host plant because they may increase the ability of "A. alstroemeriana" to recognize "Conium maculatum" as the correct location for oviposition. They pupate for 2 weeks in the soil, usually from late May to early June. The color of pupa is red-brown, with fine hairs densely located. The length of pupae is approximately 6–7 mm. After pupating, the moths emerge from the
Mimic poison frog other "Ranitomeya" species, "R. imitator" has a mild toxicity compared to other poison dart frogs. It produces the potent pumiliotoxin B, but its small size limits the amount of poison it can secrete. Like other poison dart frogs, it does not produce toxin in captivity. It probably gains its poison from consuming toxic insects or other invertebrates in the wild. Frogs of the related genus "Phyllobates" may derive their toxins from local melyrid beetles of genus "Choresine". "Ranitomeya imitator" and related frogs exhibit a degree of parental care, with the female laying feeder eggs for the tadpoles to eat. This