Guys, sorry if I sound a little too harsh in my opinion, specific apology to scott. I am just very much against the idea IN GENERAL because most people forget that plant mixing can be just as bad as mixing frog species, as they don't come from the same parts of the world. For instance, poinsettas, despite they are from Mexico, if you had a large tank, you could probably keep them in the same conditions. However, considering the toxins from the plants are pretty lethal, dropping leaves that have neglected to take out could be bad.
However, if everything is working, and nothing is wrong, then continue to do what you're doing. Just be careful, that is all.
N ampullaria would be a fine choice for vent tadpoles, provided that you monitor them regularly, and I'm sure you do. Thing is, ampullaria have evolved to freely collect rainwater (that's why their lids aren't domed) and they are less acidic.
The real problem with the big plants, despite that pitcher plant acid is generally too weak to harm a frog that hides in there, is that the fleshy peristome (the mouth overhang) blocks and escaping animal, unless they find someway to grab hold without leaning back too much and fall back in. So, as long as the frog has some access out, there is generally no problem. Also, these plants do produce an intoxicating chemical that causes an animal to be dizzy and disoriented. However, it has yet to harm Rhacophorus frogs, so the frogs must not be affected even if absorbed into the skin.
Pacific treefrogs in their native habitat can fall prey because the light windows inside the traps confuse them, and they continue to stay there, but its not a regular occurance. Cobra pitcher plants produce no enzymes, all bacterial action.
Frogs and pitcher plants DO have symbiotic relationships. Its just that treefrogs have evolved along side in their native habitat. Unfortunately, there is only one type of pitcher plant, and that is Heliamphora, southern relatives of Sarracenia. They NEED treefrogs to eat insects drawn to nectar glands, as they produce no enzymes and primarily feed on the frogs droppings. In fact, there is a hairless spot JUST for the frog to sit there, and be litterally spoon fed insects.
Unfortunately, they probably would do poorly with Dendrobates, mostly because they need cool temps, as they are from the tepuis of Venezulea. They also get quite large and need a ton of light. I thought about putting them in there, but my room is warm.
There is a miniature hybrid H. nutans x heterodoxa that only gets a few inches tall and will take it somewhat warmer. IT is cheap, beautiful, and hardy.
It would be a fine choice for highland frogs such as E. tricolor and mantellas, probably much, much better and safer than Nepenthes.
I am not too familiar with ventrimaculatus temperature, but you could definitely keep this plant if you can keep the temp below 82 degrees, and most importantly, have a night time drop down to the 60s. Perhaps a basement vivarium? The nectar spoon was designed to attract insects, which the frogs would definitely find and sit there.
If you're interested in aquiring this nice pitcher plant, I can help you locate a nursery, as I know tons as CPs are my biggest collection.
Speaking of N. ampullaria, was it just a normal N. ampullaria?
I didn't really check out this site, but I AM looking for N. ampullaria "Cantley's red." It is a beautiful little plant. Unfortunately, they all cost roughly $75 from Cook's Carnivorous Plants, one of the cheapest places around for CPs. :? I haven't been to Black Jungle in a while, they advertise regularly in Carnivorous Plant Newsletter (for International Carnivorous Plant Society Member's only)
http://www.venturalink.net/~maxxpaxx/nampspeckled.htm
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