In October of 2026, I attended NARBC (North American Reptile Breeders Convention) Tinley Park in Illinois with my kids. As part of our trip, we were on a mission to add something new and exciting to the classroom. I was really hopeful to add a ball python to the classroom, but there were concerns about students being scared to be in the room with one, so we landed on Dart Frogs instead. 

These creatures are normally called "Poison Dart Frogs" but what makes them poisonous is their food. We will not be feeding them those foods so they are totally safe to have in class. If you're interested in more data on the frogs, check out this link. 

Dendrobates tinctorius "Azureus" is found in the forests of the Sipaliwini savanna, which is located in southern Suriname and adjacent to Brazil. These frogs can only be housed in groups as juveniles to sub adults, and even then it becomes risky as they near adulthood. Most of the issues arise from female to female aggression. A trio is the maximum size for a 55-75 gallon tank, but this is usually not advised. Please do not place more than two in one enclosure at adulthood, unless it is a 2.1.0 (two males and one female). As a pair, the female will usually lay 4 to 10 eggs on glossy leaves, but they can have larger clutches. Thick leaves (such as Philodendron, Costus, etc), thick leaf litter (such as magnolia), or a petri dish underneath a coconut hut works well for breeding.  

Dendrobates tinctorius "Yellowback" hail from Suriname and Brazil. These frogs can only be housed in groups as juveniles to sub adults, and even then it becomes risky as they near adulthood. Most of the issues arise from female to female aggression. A trio is the maximum size for a 55-75 gallon tank, but this is usually not advised. Please do not place more than two in one enclosure at adulthood, unless it is a 2.1.0 (two males and one female). As a pair, the female will usually lay 4 to 10 eggs on glossy leaves, but they can have larger clutches. Thick leaves (such as Philodendron, Costus, etc), thick leaf litter (such as magnolia), or a petri dish underneath a coconut hut works well for breeding.  

Dendrobates auratus "Green and White" are a Panamanian species descending from the "Bronze" locality. This frog is moderately shy, and does well in groups. They get bolder with age and exposure, like others of their species. There will be some aggression and wrestling between females, while males do not tend to partake in fighting often. Despite this, you can keep a decently large group of frogs together, even as adults, provided that there are plenty of hiding places and food available. Females will generally lay 4 to 10 eggs under leaf litter or a coconut hut with flat leaves or a petri dish underneath. They will then transport tadpoles to a body of water, like tinctorius. However, you may pull the eggs and raise them yourself. If left alone, the tadpoles will cannibalize.  

Nepenthes are vines and start small; as the plant grows, each leaf will be larger than the last, as will the pitchers that develop from these leaves. It is normal for the pitchers and leaves to die back over time. As leaves and pitchers die back, the plant will continue to vine, turning brown and woody along the stem. Over time, these form large, sprawling vines that can be hung in baskets or trellised upright in large pots. Nepenthes have thin, black roots, and not many of them. 

Sarracenia flava, the Yellow trumpet, is the most striking and elegant of the American pitcher plant species.  Old plants can produce pitchers almost three feet tall with wide mouths and beautiful big lids. It comes in seven official color varieties. These are var. flava or rugelii, which means they will be all yellowy green with a red blotch or patch of venation at the throat. The flowers are yellow with long petals and an unusual fragrance similar to bearded iris. 

Neoregelia is a visually stunning genus of Bromeliads native to the tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil. Known for their vibrant, colorful rosettes and central “water tanks” that store moisture, these plants are favorites among Bromeliad enthusiasts. The leaves range from bright greens to deep reds, often featuring bold patterns or spots. Neoregelia are prized for their striking foliage rather than their flowers, which appear subtly within the center of the plant.

Neoregelia is perfect for plant lovers who want an exotic, low-maintenance plant with stunning foliage that delivers visual impact. Whether mounted as an epiphyte or placed in a pot, they add a bold, tropical touch to any space.