Encyclopaedia
AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Asian Tree Toad
Rentapia hosii
A rare arboreal toad showing extreme sexual dimorphism: males are small and brownish, while females are much larger, colored in bright lime-green with yellow spots.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Bufonidae
Genus:Rentapia
Species:Rentapia hosii
Formerly known as:Pedostibes hosii
Share
Check out Asian Tree Toad on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 90 %
Day temperature
25 - 27 °C
Night temperature
21 - 23 °C
Ambient temperature
25 - 27 °C
Minimum enclosure
>= 45 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the primary tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Unlike most bufonids, this species is highly arboreal, spending most of its life in the forest canopy and climbing high among vines and branches near clean forest streams.
Taxonomy and Genetics: An elegant, slender toad with elongated limbs and expanded, padded toe tips that act as suction discs for climbing. Females are significantly larger (reaching 8-10 cm) and display a spectacular bright lime-green or emerald coloration with yellow spots. In contrast, males are much smaller (5-6 cm) and exhibit a plain brownish, greyish, or near-black coloration.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, they remain inactive, pressing their flat bodies tightly against tree trunks or leaves to camouflage. At night, they become active hunters, moving with slow, deliberate steps along branches rather than jumping. Males call with a low, raspy trill near fast-flowing streams during the breeding season.
Morphology: Exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in both size and coloration. Females are nearly twice the size of males and possess a vivid green base color with bright yellow patches and spots. Males are smaller, drab brown or dark grey, and develop nuptial pads on their thumbs during the breeding season.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A tall, vertical, rainforest-style enclosure (minimum 60x45x60 cm for a pair) is required. Furnish the terrarium with thick diagonal branches, bamboo trunks, sturdy vines, and large-leaved live plants (such as Monstera or Pothos) to provide climbing and resting sites. A drainage layer (false bottom) and a water area or large water dish at the bottom are essential.
Lighting and Heating: Requires a warm, tropical climate. Daytime temperatures should be kept at 25-27°C (77-81°F), with a nighttime drop to 21-23°C (70-73°F). High temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can be dangerous if ventilation is inadequate. Provide low-intensity UVB lighting (2-5%), which is beneficial for calcium metabolism and preventing metabolic bone disease.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels (75-85%) through daily misting with declorinated or RO water. However, excellent ventilation (using mesh tops or small fans) is critical to prevent stagnant, foul air which can lead to skin infections. A clean, filtered water bowl or running water feature is necessary for hydration.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. They feed on a variety of live insects, including large crickets, roaches (Dubia/Lateralis), and locusts. Food should be offered on branches or foliage, as they rarely hunt on the ground. Dust all prey insects with a high-quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplement (e.g. Repashy or Dendrocare) 2-3 times a week.
Compatibility: Peaceful and social, they can be housed in small groups or harems (one male and multiple females) provided there is ample vertical space. However, they will readily consume any small frogs or invertebrates that fit in their mouth, so they should be kept in a species-only setup. Avoid housing them with different sizes of newts or frogs.
Health and Common Diseases: Like other toads, they possess parotoid glands that secrete toxins (bufotoxins) when stressed, which can be harmful if ingested by other animals. Common health problems include metabolic bone disease (from lack of calcium/UVB) and bacterial infections like "red leg" syndrome (caused by poor hygiene or dirty substrate). Spot-clean the enclosure regularly.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the primary tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Unlike most bufonids, this species is highly arboreal, spending most of its life in the forest canopy and climbing high among vines and branches near clean forest streams.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsSouth and Southeast Asia
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.
