Black-webbed Tree Frog
Rhacophorus reinwardtii
The Black-webbed Tree Frog is a spectacular gliding amphibian with extensive webbing between its toes. Canopy-dwelling and active, it demands an exceptionally tall, heavily planted rainforest terrarium.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
70 - 90 %
Température diurne
24 - 28 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 23 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They inhabit the high canopy of primary and secondary tropical rainforests, descending to pools only to breed.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Rhacophoridae. Commonly known as Reinwardt's Flying Frog or Black-webbed Flying Frog. It is adapted for gliding flight through the evolution of enlarged hands and feet with extensive webbing.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal and arboreal. They spend daylight hours sleeping stuck to leaves. At night, they climb and jump, spreading their webbed toes to glide through the air.
Morphology: Reaches 5–8 cm in length. Females are significantly larger and bulkier than males. Males are smaller and possess internal vocal sacs to produce calling sounds.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: A tall vertical terrarium (minimum 60x45x60 cm) is required. Furnish with broad-leafed live plants (Pothos, Monstera) and branches at various heights. Use a damp soil and moss substrate.
Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures at 24–27°C, with a night drop to 20–22°C. Avoid temperatures above 29°C. Provide gentle ambient lighting and low-output (2–5%) UVB.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels of 70–90%. Mist the enclosure twice daily with dechlorinated water. Provide a clean, medium-sized water bowl on the enclosure floor.
Feeding and Supplementation: Insectivorous. Feed on crickets, roaches, flies, and moths. Dust all prey with a high-quality calcium and multivitamin supplement containing D3 two to three times a week.
Compatibility: Peaceful. Can be housed in small groups of similarly sized individuals in spacious, heavily planted enclosures.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to bacterial skin infections (red leg) if the enclosure is constantly wet without adequate air circulation. Handle only when strictly necessary using wet, powder-free gloves.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They inhabit the high canopy of primary and secondary tropical rainforests, descending to pools only to breed.
Origine
Amérique du NordEurope, Méditerranée et Asie occidentaleAsie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil d'amphibien
- Régime alimentaire
- Insectivore
- The Black-webbed tree frog is an insectivorous predator that actively hunts in the forest canopy. Its diet largely consists of crickets, locusts, moths, and various climbing insects. In a terrarium environment, they thrive on a varied diet of properly gut-loaded and supplemented feeder insects. They utilize their large eyes and agility to track and capture prey items swiftly among the branches.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-8 years
- Taille adulte
- 8 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- This species is perfectly adapted to a completely arboreal lifestyle in the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia. They rarely, if ever, descend to the forest floor, completing their entire life cycle in the trees and the water bodies beneath them. A captive enclosure must be vertically oriented, spacious, and filled with broad-leaved plants to provide ample resting spots. High humidity and excellent ventilation are critical to mimic their breezy canopy home.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- They are highly nocturnal, remaining inactive and camouflaged on foliage during the daytime. Their bright green coloration helps them disappear among the leaves while they sleep. At night, they become highly active, moving gracefully through the canopy in search of prey and mates. They are quite adept at leaping long distances from branch to branch under the cover of darkness.
- Sociabilité
- Gregarious
- This spectacular frog is best known for its ability to glide through the air, using its extensively webbed feet like parachutes. This gliding behavior is primarily an escape mechanism to evade predators or a way to quickly navigate the forest canopy. They are relatively docile but can be jumpy and erratic if startled. When resting, they typically lay flat against broad leaves to blend in with their vivid green surroundings.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding behavior is characterized by the construction of elaborate foam nests suspended above water sources. The female churns a frothy mass while laying eggs, which hardens on the outside to protect the developing embryos from desiccation. Once the tadpoles hatch, the nest breaks down, allowing the tadpoles to fall into the water below. The tadpoles then complete their development in the aquatic environment.
- Toxicité
- Harmless
- When it comes to toxicity, this species is does not produce harmful toxins, relying on canopy height for safety. 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.
- Stade de vie
- Metamorphosis
- Their development features develops from eggs into tadpoles in water bodies below their canopy habitat. Providing the correct environmental parameters at each stage is vital for proper growth. Adult specimens can be incredibly rewarding to keep.
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Display only
- Handling should be highly stressful and risks damaging the delicate webbing on their toes. Amphibians have delicate, permeable skin that is easily damaged by dry hands or chemicals. Whenever possible, observe them without direct physical contact.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- Regarding brumation, this species tropical species requiring high humidity and warm temperatures year-round. It is important to research the exact temperature gradients required for your specific animal. Improper temperature drops can lead to severe health issues.
- Mue
- Periodic
- The molting process is fascinating; it consumes its shed skin rapidly to recover nutrients and remove scent trails. 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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