Encyclopaedia
AmphibianTerrestrialEasy
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Magnificent tree frog
Ranoidea splendida
The Magnificent Tree Frog is an impressive Australian canopy dweller sporting large parotoid glands and striking spots. This docile giant flourishes in a tall, moderately humid setup with sturdy perches.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Pelodryadidae
Subfamily:Litoriinae
Genus:Ranoidea
Species:Ranoidea splendida
Formerly known as:Litoria splendida
Share
Check out Magnificent tree frog on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
26 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Ambient temperature
26 °C
Minimum enclosure
>= 45 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The Magnificent tree frog is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia and adjacent areas of the Northern Territory. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments but is highly dependent on moisture sources, frequently found in caves, rocky crevices near streams, sandstone gorges, and human structures.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Hylidae and the genus Litoria. This species is closely related to the common green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) but is distinguished by the massive parotoid glands on its head and the characteristic yellow or white spots dotting its dorsal surface.
Behavior and Habits: A nocturnal and arboreal frog that spends the daytime hidden in cool, damp retreats like caves and rock fissures to prevent water loss. At night, it becomes active to hunt insects, climbing rock faces and trees with ease using its large, adhesive toe pads.
Morphology: It is a large tree frog, with adult females reaching 10 to 11 centimeters in length. The body is a vibrant, uniform green, scattered with distinct yellow or white spots bordered with dark pigment. The most striking feature is the massive, swollen parotoid gland located on the top of its head.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A tall, vertical terrarium of at least 60x45x60 cm is required for one or two frogs. The enclosure should be furnished with sturdy climbing branches, cork bark tubes, and secure rock structures to mimic rocky crevices. Live plants with sturdy leaves, like Pothos or Bromeliads, help maintain humidity.
Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, with a localized basking spot of 30°C using a guarded heat lamp. Night temperatures can drop to 20-22°C. A low-output UVB bulb (2.0 or 5.0) is highly recommended for 10-12 hours daily to facilitate calcium absorption and overall health.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain humidity levels between 50% and 70%. Mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water, preferably in the evening. A large, shallow water bowl with clean, chlorine-free water must be provided at all times for soaking and must be cleaned and refilled daily.
Feeding and Supplementation: Insectivorous diet. Feed a variety of live, gut-loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, and occasionally mealworms or silkworms. Dust the insects with calcium and D3 supplements at every feeding for juveniles, and 2-3 times a week for healthy adult frogs.
Compatibility: Best kept individually or in small groups of similar size. Do not house them with smaller frog species or smaller conspecifics, as they possess a strong feeding response and will readily attempt to swallow any animal that fits into their mouth, leading to choking or cannibalism.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) if calcium and UVB lighting are inadequate. Skin infections, both bacterial and fungal, can arise from unsanitary conditions or waterlogged substrate. They are also susceptible to chytridiomycosis, a severe fungal disease in amphibians.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Magnificent tree frog is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia and adjacent areas of the Northern Territory. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments but is highly dependent on moisture sources, frequently found in caves, rocky crevices near streams, sandstone gorges, and human structures.
Origin
Australia, 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.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
