Litoria caerulea

The White's Tree Frog, also known as the Dumpy Tree Frog or Smiling Tree Frog, is easy to keep as long as you have a fresh, clean, dependable water source. If allowed to overeat and become obese, older Dumpy Treefrogs grow fat layers on the tops of their heads, hence the name "dumpy." White's Tree Frogs have "suction-cups" on their feet and can climb smooth surfaces, such as glass, with ease.

Natural Environment

The White's Tree Frog is native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. It lives in coastal areas, but may also be found in drier areas near cisterns, man-made water reservoirs, and other areas in which water may collect.

Physical Characteristics

This docile frog is usually green to blue, or brown in color, but may also be a very rare piebald (white and green mottled). If stressed, it may appear gray. Under ideal conditions, the White's Tree Frog can live up to 20 years, although 15 is more common. Females are usually larger than males, reaching up to 5 inches in size. During breeding season, the males will develop a dark "nuptial pad" on the inside of the "thumb." This helps them grip the female during mating.

Reproduction

A female White's Tree Frog generally lays 200-1,000 eggs, twice each season. The eggs hatch within 24 hours. The tadpoles develop into frogs in four to five weeks. The juvenile frogs reach adult size in 4 to 5 months, but are not sexually mature until about 1 year of age.

Enclosure

An adult White's Tree Frog needs a minimum of a 20-gallon terrarium with large, sturdy driftwood branches for climbing and a variety of artificial plants. Because they are "tree frogs," the terrarium should be taller than it is wide. The substrate could consist of larger reptile bark chips, or paper toweling. This frog is nocturnal, so would appreciate a ledge or large-leafed artificial plants to sleep under during the day. The terrarium should be covered with a tight-fitting mesh lid that allows good air circulation.

These frogs have a waxy covering on their skin to help them retain moisture, but they still require high humidity. Provide regular misting and a large, shallow dish of water the frog can sit it. White's Tree Frogs are not good swimmers, so make sure the frog can easily get into and out of the dish. If using tap water, let the water sit 24 hours before placing it in the cage, or use a dechlorinator.