White's Tree Frog - Litorea caerulea
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White's
Tree Frog - Litorea caerulea
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Amphibian Care Sheets]
General Information
Distribution — Northern and eastern Australia, islands in the Torres Straits, and New Guinea. Introduced to New Zealand.
Habitat — White's Tree Frogs inhabit a wide range of habitats from dense tropical forests to relatively open habitats - including areas around buildings.
Adult Size — Adult females attain snout-vent lengths of between 10 cm (4 inches). Males are slightly smaller.
Temperament — White's tree frogs are unusually placid and easy to manage frogs. Young animals can tend to jump while older specimens typically settle down and remain still when handled.
Longevity — This species is a long lived amphibian with captives reaching as much as 20 years of age!
Captive Care
Rating: 1 — White's Tree Frogs are frequently sold in the pet trade and bred in captivity. Their care is relatively easy and they are hardier than most tree frogs. This species is an excellent choice as a starter frog.
Diet: Juveniles - fruit flies, pinhead crickets, other small insects; Adults - crickets.
Temperature: Up to 21-25oC (76-85 F) during the day and down to 16oC (65 F) at night.
Space: An adult can be housed a 15-20 gallon terrarium. However, a larger tank is ideal. It's better to house these animals in taller tanks instead of long tanks.
Breeding: Breeding can be induced by simulating a rainy season after a 5-6 week cooling period. Eggs will be laid in the water after breeding. Adults should be removed from the tank with the eggs in it and an air stone should be added to provide water circulation and oxygen. Eggs hatch in 28-36 hours at temperatures of 22-25oC (80-85 F). Tadpoles can be fed high quality tropical fish flake food but water must be kept clean. Due to frequent water changes, hundreds of gallons of water are necessary to raise these animals. Note that the water must be aged - dechlorinated - for 24 to 48 hours before use. For more information refer to the literature listed below.
Special Requirements: As with all amphibians, care should be taken to ensure that hands are clean and free of chemicals before handling.
Sources (Suggested Reading):
Bartlett, R.D. 1996. Frogs, Toads, and Treefrogs. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 104.
De Vosjoli, Philippe, Mailloux, Robert, and Drew Ready. 1996. The Care and Breeding of Popular Tree Frogs. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc. Santee, CA. Pp.80.
Mattison, Chris. 1993. Keeping and Breeding Amphibians. Cassell Publishing, London, UK. Pp. 224.
Staniszewski, Marc. 1995. Amphibians in Captivity. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune, New Jersey. Pp. 544.
Coburn, John. 1994. White's Tree Frogs. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune, New Jersey. Pp. 48.