This frog species, ranked as Least Concern on the Red List, is known from only two localties in southeastern Colombia in Río Apaporis and Río Caqueta, where it inhabits undisturbed primary forest and rainforests. The presence of many small bromeliads filled with water is perfect for the frogs’ courting, breeding and later growth of their larvae. R. defleri appears to be a mainly tree-dwelling species.
The frogs grow to reach 15 – 18 mm. Their basic color is black, with a characteristic pattern on their head and back, made up of orange-yellow stripes. Their limbs and ventral side are marked with a bluish pattern. The species has a distinctive buzz-call, which is composed of a series of pulsing tones.
