Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 - 2003 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
White's Tree Frog Dumpy, Smiling, or Australian
Green Tree Frog
Latin
Name:
Litoria caerulea
Native
to:
Northeast Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and the
Torres Straits
Size:
Average 4 inches males, 5.5 females
Life
span:
20 years plus
General
appearance:
Smooth green rubbery skin (can turn brown
occasionally or have whit speckles); fat and flabby appearance. At one year of
age, breeding males grow nuptial pads (puffy pads where their "thumb"
and "palm" meet). Tadpoles are large, 1.75 – 4 inches (45 - 100 mm),
dark green or dark gray-green in color.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
Larger is better for this species, a minimum of 25
gallons for an adult pair is recommended. An arboreal enclosure is the best
choice, as tree frogs will spend most of their time being high in the
enclosure. Plants and hollow logs/branches provide shelter and security. Can be
safely housed with other White’s tree frogs or with other similar
sized tree frogs.
Temperature:
Temperatures should be up to 86°F (30°C), but can be
reduced to 68°F- 75F (20°C) at night.
Heat/Light:
White’s tree frogs are nocturnal. There is no
specific lighting requirements. Live plants will require a full spectrum light.
An under tank heater can be used but do not use heat rocks.
Substrate:
Potting soil, peat moss or a few sheets of damp
paper towels on the bottom. Avoid using
small bark and gravel due to danger of ingestion.
Environment:
Semi-tropical – A moderate amount of humidity is
required. This can be achieved through misting of the frogs and enclosure two
or more times a day. Additionally a large water dish with a depth of about four
inches is required.
Diet:
Insectivores - crickets, cockroaches, locusts, moths
and beetles. Dust crickets with calcium & vitamins 3 times a week. Feed
frogs daily. They are known for overeating and obesity. Fat is stored in the
supratympanic ridges. An oblast frog’s supratympanic ridges will cover the
tympanic membrane ("ear") Feed only what is consumed in a few
minutes.
Maintenance:
Clean the enclosure weekly. Remove dead insects and
clean water bowl as several times a week or as needed, but no less than weekly.
You may wash with a mild bleach solution (5%) or liquid soap and thoroughly
rinse. Regular handling should be avoided. Hands must be washed and rinsed
prior to touching the frog and should remain wet.