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Common tree frog
Polypedates leucomystax
The Common Tree Frog is an incredibly adaptable and hardy species from Southeast Asia. With distinct four-lined back patterns, it readily thrives in a standard arboreal setup with robust live plants.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Rhacophoridae
Subfamily:Rhacophorinae
Genus:Polypedates
Species:Polypedates leucomystax
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 85 %
Day temperature
25 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Ambient temperature
25 °C
Minimum enclosure
>= 45 L
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Polypedates leucomystax, commonly known as the common tree frog or four-lined tree frog, is native to a broad region of Southeast Asia, including India, southern China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a highly adaptable species inhabiting rainforests, agricultural areas, urban gardens, and marshes close to human settlements.
Taxonomy and Genetics: It belongs to the family Rhacophoridae. It is considered a cryptic species complex composed of several closely related populations that show minor genetic and morphological variations but share the unique foam-nesting breeding behavior.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of its time climbing vegetation. During the day, it rests quietly on broad leaves or branches, blending in perfectly. Males are known for their loud, distinct vocalizations during the breeding season to attract mates.
Morphology: Features a slender body with long limbs and expanded toe pads for climbing. The head is triangular with large, prominent eyes. The skin is smooth, and its color ranges from light brown to beige or grey, often adorned with four dark, longitudinal stripes down its back.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented terrarium of at least 50-60 liters for a pair. The ideal substrate is damp coconut fiber covered with sphagnum moss. Branching wood, cork bark, and broad-leaved plants like Pothos are essential for climbing. A shallow, clean water dish must always be accessible.
Lighting and Heating: The ideal daytime temperature should range from 24°C to 28°C, with a localized basking spot of 30°C using a low-wattage heat bulb. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 20-22°C. While UVB lighting is not strictly required, a 12-hour photoperiod is recommended.
Humidity and Hydration: Needs high relative humidity between 70% and 85%. The terrarium should be misted daily with dechlorinated water to keep the substrate damp and provide drinking droplets. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent stagnant, mold-inducing air conditions.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Feed them a variety of live insects, such as crickets, small roaches, mealworms, and flies. Feeder insects must be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements twice a week for adults and at every feeding for growing juveniles.
Compatibility: Can be housed in small groups of the same species if space permits. Avoid housing them with other amphibian species or specimens of significantly different sizes to prevent stress, territory disputes, or potential cannibalism.
Health and Common Diseases: Common health issues include bacterial or fungal skin infections caused by poor hygiene and poor ventilation. Metabolic bone disease can occur due to inadequate calcium and D3 supplementation. Regular substrate spot-cleaning and fresh water changes help maintain optimal health.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Polypedates leucomystax, commonly known as the common tree frog or four-lined tree frog, is native to a broad region of Southeast Asia, including India, southern China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a highly adaptable species inhabiting rainforests, agricultural areas, urban gardens, and marshes close to human settlements.
Origin
South and Southeast AsiaEast Asia
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 8 cm
- 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
The catalog's scalar value is 8 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 8 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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