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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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White-lipped Tree Frog
Nyctimystes infrafrenatus
The White-lipped Tree Frog is the world's largest tree frog, defined by a distinct white stripe along its lower jaw. This giant rainforest canopy dweller needs a massive, tall, and humid terrarium.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Pelodryadidae
Subfamily:Litoriinae
Genus:Nyctimystes
Species:Nyctimystes infrafrenatus
Formerly known as:Litoria infrafrenata
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
25 - 30 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the lush tropical rainforests, coastal mangroves, and lowland swamps of northern Australia (Queensland) and New Guinea. It is a strictly arboreal species that spends its life in the canopy.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the Pelodryadidae family. It is officially the largest and most massive tree frog in the world. Its common name, Giant White-lipped Tree Frog, directly references its most recognizable anatomical feature.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal. During the day, they remain motionless, sleeping camouflaged on broad leaves or branches. At night, they emerge as active and vocal explorers. Males produce a loud, barking call that resembles a dog or pig grunt.
Morphology: Females are significantly larger and heavier, reaching 10–14 cm in length. Males are smaller and possess a wrinkled, darker throat area where the vocal sac is located.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires an exceptionally spacious, vertical enclosure (minimum 60x45x90 cm) to accommodate their large jumps. Furnish with thick bamboo poles, sturdy diagonal branches, and robust, broad-leafed plants (such as Monstera or large Pothos) that can support their weight. A large, clean water dish is essential.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain daytime temperatures at 26–28°C, with a nighttime drop to 22–24°C. Avoid temperatures above 29°C. A 5% UVB source is highly recommended to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels of 70–80%. Mist the enclosure thoroughly with dechlorinated water every evening. Excellent ventilation is critical to prevent respiratory and skin infections.
Feeding and Supplementation: Voracious insectivores. Feed large crickets, locusts, and roaches. Dust food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements three times a week.
Compatibility: Peaceful and gregarious with similar-sized tankmates. Do not house with smaller frogs or geckos, as they will be eaten.
Health and Common Diseases: Snout abrasions (snout-rub) can occur if the frog panics and leaps against the glass in small setups. Maintain high standards of hygiene to prevent bacterial skin conditions like red leg syndrome.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the lush tropical rainforests, coastal mangroves, and lowland swamps of northern Australia (Queensland) and New Guinea. It is a strictly arboreal species that spends its life in the canopy.
Origin
North AmericaAfrica and MadagascarAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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