Whites Tree Frog care sheet

Common Name: Whites Tree Frog

Latin name: Litoria Caerulea

Sometimes reffered to as "white" tree frogs, they are actually named after the man who first described them to science. The whites tree frog is also known as the "dumpy" frog in some parts of the world due to its appearance!

The whites tree frogs orginates from Indonesia and Australia. It is a large arboreal (tree climbing) frog that can grow to the size of a baseball and lives for approximately 15 - 20 years.

Enclosure:

An exo terra glass terrarium of 45 x 45 x 60 cm would provide enough space for a trio of whites tree frogs, although they can be accomodated in a smaller enclosure as juveniles once they attain their adult size they will need an enclosure such as the terrarium. this is large enough to allow the whites tree frog space to jump and climb.

A well planted vivarium is a must, its best to use a mixture of plastic plants and some sturdy live house plants. Whites tree frogs are not very dainty when it come to crashing through plants so anything too dainty will be destroyed. Try to find some broad leaved plants as the whites tree frogs like to sleep in amongst foliage during the day. Artificial or natural jungle vines will create excellent climbing opportunities.

Substrate needs to be moisture retaining, repti bark, orchid bark, eco bark are all suitable substrates.   

Heating:

Whites tree frogs are very tolerant of temperature extremes however your enclosure should be at room temperature (20.c) with a localised hot area of 30.c. This is achieved by attaching a small heat mat of 11" x 11" to one side of the glass terrarium on the outside.

Humidity;

These amphibians fare well in a well ventilated enclosure and a light misting with a plant sprayer daily will be sufficient. Although the whites tree frog is an amphibian these tree frogs are not primarily aquatic, they do not need to have a vast water section and they are not particularly good swimmers. A large water bowl is the best method of meeting their water requirements. The whites tree frogs will defecate in their water and also transfer a lot of substrate that gets stuck to their skin into the water bowl so daily cleansing of the water bowl will be essential.

Diet:

Whites tree frogs will take crickets of an appropriate size for the frogs size, up to extra large crickets for adult frogs. They will also eat waxworms in moderation as these little worms have a high fat content and whites tree frogs are well known for their potential obesity problems. Whites will also take mealworms. The diet should be supplemented with a multi vitamin supplement weekly.