Description
Dendrobates leucomelas ‘Netted’ Tadpoles – UK Captive Bred
Experience the extraordinary transformation of a poison dart frog with our captive-bred Dendrobates leucomelas ‘Netted’ tadpoles, produced through our own breeding programme at The Frogfather in Nottingham.
Commonly known as the Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog, Dendrobates leucomelas is one of the most recognisable species in the hobby, admired for its brilliant yellow-and-black markings, engaging behaviour and distinctive calls.
Our Netted breeding animals display intricate black markings across their bright yellow bodies, creating a beautiful reticulated appearance.
Meet the Netted Bumblebee Dart Frog
Dendrobates leucomelas originates from tropical regions of northern South America, including Venezuela and neighbouring areas.
These frogs are primarily terrestrial but will also climb and explore suitable planted vivariums.
Unlike some more secretive dart frog species, established leucomelas can be particularly entertaining to observe as they forage, interact and explore their surroundings.
The males are also known for their distinctive melodic calls, which are among the most recognisable sounds in dart frog keeping.
What Makes the Netted Form Special?
The Netted form is valued for its distinctive patterning, with black markings forming an intricate network across the yellow body.
Individual frogs may develop different arrangements of spots, bands and reticulated markings, making each animal unique.
Our product photograph shows one of our own breeding animals, giving you an example of the appearance of the parent stock.
Individual offspring may vary in their markings, colour intensity and pattern development.
Captive Bred at The Frogfather
Our tadpoles originate from our own captive breeding colony in Nottingham.
We maintain our breeding animals in carefully managed bioactive vivariums designed to provide appropriate environmental conditions and opportunities for natural behaviour.
Our breeding programme allows us to observe courtship, egg development, tadpole transport and metamorphosis.
Purchasing captive-bred tadpoles offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience these fascinating stages of amphibian development.
What Will You Receive?
- One captive-bred Dendrobates leucomelas ‘Netted’ tadpole
- Suitable individual transport packaging
- A developing tadpole selected from available stock
- Practical rearing advice from The Frogfather
Tadpole size and developmental stage may vary. An exact metamorphosis date cannot be guaranteed.
Raising Your Netted Leucomelas Tadpole
Successful tadpole rearing requires suitable aquatic housing, stable water conditions, appropriate nutrition and regular observation.
We recommend individual rearing to make monitoring feeding, growth and water quality easier while reducing competition between developing tadpoles.
- Use clean, appropriately prepared water.
- Maintain stable temperatures and avoid overheating.
- Provide a suitable aquatic tadpole diet.
- Remove deteriorating uneaten food.
- Monitor growth and limb development.
- Prepare a safe terrestrial transition area before metamorphosis.
Recommended Tadpole Grow-Out Kit
Prepare for the Journey From Tadpole to Froglet
Our Tadpole Grow-Out Kit & Bioactive Tub is an excellent companion purchase for customers preparing to raise dart frog tadpoles.
The kit helps you prepare for individual aquatic rearing and provides a starting point for the terrestrial grow-out stage.
Having the correct equipment ready before your tadpole arrives makes monitoring development and preparing for metamorphosis much easier.
From Tadpole to Froglet
As your tadpole develops, hind legs will begin to appear, followed by front legs as metamorphosis approaches.
The developing froglet will gradually absorb its tail and transition from aquatic life to a terrestrial environment.
Once front legs emerge, it is essential to provide safe access out of the water to prevent drowning.
Newly metamorphosed froglets require a secure, humid, appropriately ventilated enclosure with suitable hiding places and access to tiny live foods.
Creating a Natural Froglet Environment
A well-prepared bioactive grow-out enclosure should provide suitable humidity, ventilation, shelter and established microfauna.
Natural leaf litter helps create hiding places and supports a healthy forest-floor environment.
Our Forest Floor Tamarind Leaves are a useful addition to a suitable terrestrial grow-out enclosure.
Feeding Your Developing Dart Frogs
Once metamorphosis is complete, young leucomelas will require appropriately sized live foods, typically including springtails and small fruit flies.
As the froglets grow, suitable feeder insects should form part of a varied and nutritionally balanced feeding programme.
At The Frogfather, we use our All-in-One Vitamin & Mineral Dust for lightly dusting suitable feeder insects at every feed.
Important: Supplement dust is intended for suitable live feeder insects after metamorphosis. Do not add it directly to tadpole water.
Why Choose The Frogfather?
- UK captive-bred: Produced through our own Nottingham breeding programme.
- Established breeding colony: We maintain and care for the parent animals ourselves.
- Specialist experience: Practical experience breeding and raising multiple dart frog species.
- Responsible husbandry: Animal welfare and appropriate care are central to our approach.
- Specialist equipment: Tadpole and froglet rearing supplies available through our shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Netted Leucomelas tadpoles captive-bred?
Yes. Our tadpoles originate from our own breeding colony at The Frogfather in Nottingham.
Will my frog develop the same netted markings as the photograph?
The photograph shows one of our breeding animals. Individual offspring may develop different arrangements of black and yellow markings, so an identical pattern cannot be guaranteed.
How long will metamorphosis take?
Development varies according to the individual tadpole, temperature, feeding and water conditions. We cannot guarantee a particular metamorphosis date.
Can I raise several tadpoles together?
We recommend individual rearing to simplify monitoring and reduce competition or potential injury.
What should I feed newly emerged froglets?
Newly emerged froglets require tiny live foods such as springtails and appropriately sized fruit flies, supported by suitable nutritional supplementation.
Can I purchase a complete rearing kit?
Yes. Our Tadpole Grow-Out Kit & Bioactive Tub provides equipment to help prepare for aquatic development and the transition to terrestrial life.
Can the tadpoles be delivered?
Collection is currently available by appointment from Nottingham. Please contact us regarding current delivery arrangements.
Availability & Collection
Availability depends on the natural breeding cycles of our animals and the developmental stages of the tadpoles currently being raised.
Collection by appointment from Nottingham.
Please ensure that suitable aquatic housing and a prepared terrestrial grow-out environment are available before purchasing.
For husbandry advice or equipment recommendations, please contact us through the website.
By The Frogfather
Nottingham, United Kingdom
