Polka-dot Tree Frog
Boana punctata
The Polka-dot Tree Frog boasts translucent, vibrant green skin dotted with delicate red spots. A stunning nocturnal canopy dweller, it flourishes in high-humidity setups over a large water basin.
Umgebung
Terrestrisch
Luftfeuchtigkeit
70 - 90 %
Tagestemperatur
23 - 28 °C
Nachttemperatur
20 - 23 °C
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Distributed throughout the humid primary rainforests, flooded savannas, and swampy margins of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. It is an arboreal species that rests on broad leaves or reeds near slow-flowing rivers.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Hylidae. Formerly classified under the genus *Hyla*, it is now placed in *Boana*. Commonly known as the Polka-dot Tree Frog. Notable for being the first frog discovered to exhibit natural **fluorescence**, glowing bright green under UV light.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal. During the day, they sleep flattened and camouflaged against green leaves. At night, they become active, climbing and jumping along branches to hunt. Males produce a metallic, cricket-like call.
Morphology: Slender, delicate tree frog reaching 3.5-4 cm in length. Features translucent lime-green skin (often allowing organs or eggs to be visible from below) dotted with white, yellow, or red spots. Eyes are large with golden irises. Females are rounder and larger than males.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertical, forest-style terrarium of at least 45x45x60 cm. Furnish with thin branches, vines, and broad-leaved live plants (Monstera, Pothos, Philodendron). Provide a shallow water dish at the bottom.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain tropical temperatures between 25-28°C during the day, with a night drop to 21-23°C. Avoid temperatures above 30°C. Provide 5% UVB lighting, which can also be used to observe their fluorescence.
Humidity and Hydration: Keep humidity levels high (70-80%) with daily misting using reverse osmosis water. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent stagnant conditions and bacterial infections (Red Leg disease).
Feeding and Supplementation: Insectivorous. Feeds on small insects like crickets, fruit flies, and small roaches. Dust prey with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements three times a week.
Compatibility: Peaceful and gregarious. Can be kept in small groups in sufficiently large setups. Avoid housing with larger or aggressive frog species.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly sensitive skin; avoid handling as human skin oils are toxic. Snout injuries can occur if they panic and jump against the glass. Maintain high hygiene standards.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Distributed throughout the humid primary rainforests, flooded savannas, and swampy margins of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. It is an arboreal species that rests on broad leaves or reeds near slow-flowing rivers.
Ursprung
Amazonas, Orinoco und GuayanaNordamerika
Amphibienprofil
- Diät
- Insectivore
- The Polka-dot tree frog is feeds on small, soft-bodied insects like flies, moths, and small crickets. Providing a varied and appropriately sized food source is crucial for their health in captivity. Supplementation with calcium and multivitamins is highly recommended. Ensure fresh water is always available to aid digestion.
- Lebenserwartung
- 3-5 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 4 cm
- Lebensstil/Mikrohabitat
- Arboreal
- As a arboreal, living in low to mid-level vegetation in tropical rainforests. The terrarium must be tailored to these specific needs, prioritizing either vertical climbing space or horizontal floor space. Substrate and furnishings must replicate their natural habitat.
- Aktivitätszyklus
- Nocturnal
- They are strictly nocturnal, awakening to hunt and call after sunset. Lighting schedules should strictly mimic natural photoperiods to maintain their circadian rhythm. Disturbing them during their resting period can cause significant stress.
- Sozialität
- Solitary
- Behaviorally, they are timid and easily frightened, relying on its pale coloration for concealment. Keepers should observe them regularly to ensure they are not displaying signs of stress. Providing adequate hiding spots allows them to feel secure.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- In the wild, reproduction is breeds in slow-moving streams or ponds during the Amazonian wet season. Replicating these seasonal cues in captivity can be challenging but is necessary for successful breeding. Raising the offspring requires dedicated space and resources.
- Toxizität
- Harmless
- When it comes to toxicity, this species is harmless, but notable for naturally fluorescing under UV light. It is always best practice to wash hands before and after any interactions. This protects the frog from harmful oils and the keeper from potential irritation.
- Lebensphase
- Metamorphosis
- Their development features aquatic tadpole stage followed by a life as a delicate, translucent adult. Providing the correct environmental parameters at each stage is vital for proper growth. Adult specimens can be incredibly rewarding to keep.
- Handhabungstoleranz
- Display only
- Handling should be extremely fragile; handling should be strictly avoided due to their delicate build. Amphibians have delicate, permeable skin that is easily damaged by dry hands or chemicals. Whenever possible, observe them without direct physical contact.
- Brumation
- Nicht erforderlich
- Regarding brumation, this species requires constant tropical conditions with no brumation period. It is important to research the exact temperature gradients required for your specific animal. Improper temperature drops can lead to severe health issues.
- Häutung
- Periodic
- The molting process is fascinating; it shedding happens quickly and is rarely seen by keepers due to their nocturnal schedule. High humidity is necessary to ensure the shed comes off cleanly without restricting toes or limbs. Retained shed is a sign of improper husbandry.
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