White's Tree Frog

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  • Common Group: TREE FROGS
  • Common Name: White's Tree Frog
  • Scientific Name: Litoria caerula
  • Distribution: Australia & Indonesia
  • Size: 3" - 4"

Natural History

Whites tree frogs are found throughout Indonesia and the tropical north of Australia. They are large, heavy-bodied frogs, and range in color from maroon, to bright green to even blue! There is often variation among the color of adult frogs based on their origin.

Indonesian specimens are more likely to exhibit the maroon and green color phases, while true Australian frogs are usually lime green or blue. It should be noted that any given frog can change its color drastically based on temperature, mood, and time of day.

These frogs are nocturnal, typically sleeping during the day, and becoming active at night to search for food. As the name "tree frog" would suggest, this species is arboreal, preferring to live off of the ground.

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Size and Longevity

Whites tree frogs are big as far as tree frogs go. Adults may exceed four inches in length, although some specimens are mature at just shy of 3 inches. Once mature, they take on a rather "pudgy" appearance, and a large individual could easily fill the palm of a human hand.

When properly maintained and given a balanced diet, captive raised whites tree frogs can live nearly 20 years!

Housing

Housing of whites tree frogs is quite simple. Despite their large size, they do not require massive enclosures. All-glass reptile tanks are usually the cage of choice, but some success has been had with partially or fully screened enclosures. Keep in mind that using screened enclosures may increase the likely hood of abrasions to the frogs nose, not to mention be more difficult to keep warm.

Captive bred baby whites tree frogs are commonly available, and these little guys can be housed in groups of two or three in a standard ten gallon terrarium. They do grow quickly, and should be moved to larger quarters at the discretion of the keeper. A single adult pair will be comfortable in a tank having 20 gallons of volume, with the "tall" models being slightly more desirable.

Whites tree frogs are communal, and may be housed in pairs or trios, but close attention should be paid to the size of the animals. Smaller frogs will often be too intimidated by larger cagemates to feed, and in some cases become food themselves. Therefore, be certain that any frogs you are keeping together are of the same size.

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Heating and Lighting

These frogs are very hardy, and will tolerate a wide range of temperatures with no ill effects. However, it has been found that a temperature range within the enclosure between 75 and 85 degrees is ideal. Depending on the temperature of the room in which your frogs reside, heat pads and/or reptile heat bulbs are sufficient means of providing heat.

Although whites tree frogs are nocturnal, there is some evidence that they do benefit from exposure to full spectrum lighting during daylight hours. Such lights may be unnecessary if careful attention is paid to the diet of your frogs. Regardless of whether you are using a full spectrum bulb, or simply a normal fluorescent tube, make sure your frogs have a distinct photoperiod, that is, a regular period of light and a regular period of darkness.

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Photoperiod Lighting: * Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 UVB Bulb with matching Fluorescent Fixture

Heating: * Zoo Med 10 to 20 Gallon Heat Pad

Substrate and Furnishings

Substrates for whites tree frogs should not be overly dry or dusty. A bedding that stays slightly moist, but not soaking wet, is ideal. Orchid (fir) bark chips, as well as pulverized coconut husk are a few excellent choices. Clean sphagnum moss should be added in patches, or as the primary substrate to help retain moisture during the day.

Whites tree frogs like to climb, and once acclimated to their enclosure, will spend most of their time sitting in various branches and plants that you provide. Either live plants or artificial ones may be used. Provide enough cover that your frogs feel secure, but without overcrowding the cage. Broad leafed vines are ideal, as they provide perfect resting spots for these frogs.

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Water and Humidity

A large water dish should be made available at all times for white tree frogs. This species is not particularly fond of wet conditions, but instead will regain lost moisture via frequent soaks in their water bowls. As a result, the water must be changed often, and the bowl kept very clean.

As mentioned above, whites tree frogs do not like wet conditions. However, as with most frogs, if their environment dries out completely they could run into problems. A light misting once or twice a day is ideal. Room temperature water is fine.

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Nutrition

Whites tree frogs are mainly insectivores, and in captivity will thrive on a diet of crickets, mealworms, wax worms, roaches, and the occasional pinky mouse. Prey items should not be much longer than the frogs head is wide.

They are voracious feeders, with babies and juveniles being offered food at least every other day, and 3 times a week for adults. Do not put more food items into the enclosure than your frog will likely consume within 24 hours. Uneaten prey items may bother your frogs, or die in the enclosure and create a health hazard.

Prey items should be dusted regularly with a light coating of a quality calcium supplement designed for reptiles. Calcium supplements with vitamin D3 added are a good choice for these fast growing frogs to prevent skeleton problems during growth. A reptile multi-vitamin should also be utilized, but less often; Once a week for young frogs, and two or three times a month for mature animals. Animals receiving an extremely varied diet may benefit less from vitamins, while those with a more restricted menu will benefit greatly.

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Feeders

Handling

Due to their fragile skin and nervous nature, most frogs should never be handled. However, whites tree frogs are a great choice if you simply must handle your frogs. Although it should be done only with clean, moist hands, and only occasionally, these frogs can be handled, and will tolerate short periods of human interaction.

© LLLReptile & Supply, Inc 2006