Dendrobates Leucomelas care sheet
WRITTEN BY D.KNIGHT
INTRODUCTION
Dendrobates Leucomelas are from the Family Dendrobatidae. Dendrobates Leucomelas populations can be found throught venezuela, northern Brazil, both guyana's and the south east of Colombia. They are diurnal frogs that are very active and make very intresting pets.
COLOURS AND MORPHS
Dendrobates Leucomelas are a bright species whos colouration and pattern ranges depending on locality and/or morph. The standard morph is balck with yellow bands which contain black markings. There is also a banded morph, were the bands are solid with no black markings. Other known morphs include another banded morph which is not much different in pattern and colouration to the standard morph, however this morph is larger and has a far greater range of yellow and orange. There is also a green legged morph but is not very common and often hard to source. The pattering and/or colouration can vary within each morph making them look different, this can be seen clearly in siblings and clutches.
INTRODUCTION
Dendrobates Leucomelas are from the Family Dendrobatidae. Dendrobates Leucomelas populations can be found throught venezuela, northern Brazil, both guyana's and the south east of Colombia. They are diurnal frogs that are very active and make very intresting pets.
COLOURS AND MORPHS
Dendrobates Leucomelas are a bright species whos colouration and pattern ranges depending on locality and/or morph. The standard morph is balck with yellow bands which contain black markings. There is also a banded morph, were the bands are solid with no black markings. Other known morphs include another banded morph which is not much different in pattern and colouration to the standard morph, however this morph is larger and has a far greater range of yellow and orange. There is also a green legged morph but is not very common and often hard to source. The pattering and/or colouration can vary within each morph making them look different, this can be seen clearly in siblings and clutches.
TOXINS
In captivity Dendrobates Leucomelas are not toxic, there toxins are produced from their natural diet. There is much research into what part of their diet causes this toxin and it is believed to come from fire ants and other small inverts. Wild caught specimens of Dendrobates Leucomelas will soon loose their toxicity when in captivity.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Dendrobates Leucomelas are small amphians but do require a fair ammount of space, a vivarium 18Lx18Wx18H will house a pair quiet comfortably. They are a terrestrial species by nature, but will make use of the area up the vivarium. Dendrobates Leucomelas can be found climbing the glass so some ledges and sturdy logs raising vertically are adviced. Dendrobates Leucomelas do well housed in groups but care should be taken as they will still show signs of aggression. It is best to house them in sexed pairs or a large group of males and females in a ration of two males to each female. Dendrobates Leucomelas are territorial and will fight over breeding sites and feeding locations, so it’s important to provide lots of hiding spots and cover. Dendrobates Leucomelas will also appreciate a well planted vivarium, plants like pothos and bromeliads provide not only cover but potential breeding sites. Eco earth or coco husk with a covering of dead leaves, twigs and nut shells make an ideal substrates and should be given drainage by means of a false bottom or a deep layer of hydroleca. The viavrium should have an escape prof lid constructed of either glass or plastic. Screen style tops should also be covered with glass or plastic panels. This is vital in keeping the humidity raised in the vivarium and will also prevent small prey items from escaping. When choosing the lid of the vivarium it is important to remember that most, if not all the UVB rays will be filtered out by most glass and plastics, so care should be taken in choosing a suitable material.
In captivity Dendrobates Leucomelas are not toxic, there toxins are produced from their natural diet. There is much research into what part of their diet causes this toxin and it is believed to come from fire ants and other small inverts. Wild caught specimens of Dendrobates Leucomelas will soon loose their toxicity when in captivity.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
Dendrobates Leucomelas are small amphians but do require a fair ammount of space, a vivarium 18Lx18Wx18H will house a pair quiet comfortably. They are a terrestrial species by nature, but will make use of the area up the vivarium. Dendrobates Leucomelas can be found climbing the glass so some ledges and sturdy logs raising vertically are adviced. Dendrobates Leucomelas do well housed in groups but care should be taken as they will still show signs of aggression. It is best to house them in sexed pairs or a large group of males and females in a ration of two males to each female. Dendrobates Leucomelas are territorial and will fight over breeding sites and feeding locations, so it’s important to provide lots of hiding spots and cover. Dendrobates Leucomelas will also appreciate a well planted vivarium, plants like pothos and bromeliads provide not only cover but potential breeding sites. Eco earth or coco husk with a covering of dead leaves, twigs and nut shells make an ideal substrates and should be given drainage by means of a false bottom or a deep layer of hydroleca. The viavrium should have an escape prof lid constructed of either glass or plastic. Screen style tops should also be covered with glass or plastic panels. This is vital in keeping the humidity raised in the vivarium and will also prevent small prey items from escaping. When choosing the lid of the vivarium it is important to remember that most, if not all the UVB rays will be filtered out by most glass and plastics, so care should be taken in choosing a suitable material.
LIGHTING
Although Dendrobates Leucomelas naturally inhabit the forest floor under the cover of the tree canopy, they are still subjected to exposure from U.V rays and full spectrum lighting. UVB can be very beneficial to Dendrobates Leucomelas, it will aid them in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 2% tube with a reflector will provide them with substantial exposure and help promote plant growth. Full spectrum lighting may also be beneficial to both frogs and plants, and will contain a level of UVB.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Dendrobates Leucomelas require high humidity's of 80% pluss along with some ventilation. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water at least once a day, and never allowed to fully dry out. Dendrobates Leucomelas require temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees in the day with a drop to 67 degrees at night.
FEEDING
Dendrobates Leucomelas are small amphibians that eat very small foods. Providing a constant source of small insects is the most difficult part of their husbandry. Fruit flies make the best staple diet for dendrobates, and they are very easy to culture. Pin head crickets, springtails, termites, aphids and small fly larvae also make good foods but are not ideal as the main diet. Feeding the right amounts can be a tricky game, feeding should be judged on how many insects are eaten within 2 minuets. Adults should be fed every other day, and Juveniles do best offered food daily but in smaller quantities. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential, and should be replaced every six months. Fruit flies and other food items should be supplemented before being offered to the frogs.
Fruit fly culturing guide
click here
WATERING
A Very shallow water area should be provided as Dendrobates Leucomelas will use it to replenish their natural water reserve, BUT Dendrobates Leucomelas are very poor swimmers and will drown easily. The area or dish should be changed daily using de-chlorinated water.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Dendrobates Leucomelas do not like or get used to being handled, it is very stress full to them and if not done correctly very dangerous. Not only will the salts in human skin irritate them but there is a risk of damaging a limb or tearing the skin. When cleaning the viv the safest and less stress full way for the frogs is to catch them in a tub which has been sprayed with de-chlorinated water.
CONCLUSION
Dendrobates Leucomelas are an ideal Dendrobates for a beginner to posion dart frogs, however they are very fragile and deteriorate quickly if not given the proper care. These frogs stress very easily and are only suited as a visual pet.
Although Dendrobates Leucomelas naturally inhabit the forest floor under the cover of the tree canopy, they are still subjected to exposure from U.V rays and full spectrum lighting. UVB can be very beneficial to Dendrobates Leucomelas, it will aid them in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 2% tube with a reflector will provide them with substantial exposure and help promote plant growth. Full spectrum lighting may also be beneficial to both frogs and plants, and will contain a level of UVB.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Dendrobates Leucomelas require high humidity's of 80% pluss along with some ventilation. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water at least once a day, and never allowed to fully dry out. Dendrobates Leucomelas require temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees in the day with a drop to 67 degrees at night.
FEEDING
Dendrobates Leucomelas are small amphibians that eat very small foods. Providing a constant source of small insects is the most difficult part of their husbandry. Fruit flies make the best staple diet for dendrobates, and they are very easy to culture. Pin head crickets, springtails, termites, aphids and small fly larvae also make good foods but are not ideal as the main diet. Feeding the right amounts can be a tricky game, feeding should be judged on how many insects are eaten within 2 minuets. Adults should be fed every other day, and Juveniles do best offered food daily but in smaller quantities. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential, and should be replaced every six months. Fruit flies and other food items should be supplemented before being offered to the frogs.
Fruit fly culturing guide
click here
WATERING
A Very shallow water area should be provided as Dendrobates Leucomelas will use it to replenish their natural water reserve, BUT Dendrobates Leucomelas are very poor swimmers and will drown easily. The area or dish should be changed daily using de-chlorinated water.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Dendrobates Leucomelas do not like or get used to being handled, it is very stress full to them and if not done correctly very dangerous. Not only will the salts in human skin irritate them but there is a risk of damaging a limb or tearing the skin. When cleaning the viv the safest and less stress full way for the frogs is to catch them in a tub which has been sprayed with de-chlorinated water.
CONCLUSION
Dendrobates Leucomelas are an ideal Dendrobates for a beginner to posion dart frogs, however they are very fragile and deteriorate quickly if not given the proper care. These frogs stress very easily and are only suited as a visual pet.