White-lipped Tree Frog
Sandyrana infrafrenata
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.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
60 - 80 %
Temperatura diurna
25 - 30 °C
Temperatura noturna
21 - 24 °C
Descrição da espécie
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.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
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.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
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.
Origem
América do NorteÁfrica e MadagascarAustrália, Nova Guiné e Oceania
Perfil anfíbio
- Dieta
- Insectivore
- This large frog feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, including large insects, spiders, and occasionally smaller vertebrates. They are ambush predators that wait patiently for prey to wander within striking distance. Captive diets should consist of large crickets, roaches, and earthworms, properly supplemented with calcium and vitamins.
- Expectativa de vida
- 10-20 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 14 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- As the largest tree frog species in the world, they require a spacious, heavily planted arboreal setup with strong branches to support their weight. They inhabit rainforests and cultivated areas in their native range, thriving in high humidity and warm temperatures. They are excellent climbers and need vertical space to thrive.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Nocturnal
- They are strictly nocturnal, emerging from their daytime hiding spots as darkness falls to hunt and vocalize. During the day, they camouflage themselves among leaves or in tree hollows, keeping their eyes tightly shut to avoid detection. They are highly dependent on the cover of darkness for their active periods.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- They are bold and active frogs that can sometimes be skittish if approached suddenly. They are excellent jumpers and require significant space to exhibit natural behaviors. Their distinct white lower lip is a key identifying feature, and they are known to be quite vocal during the wet season.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding happens in the spring and summer during heavy rains, in both still and slow-flowing water bodies. Males call from elevated positions near the water, producing a sound like a barking dog. Females lay large clutches of eggs that attach to submerged vegetation, hatching into large tadpoles.
- Toxicidade
- Harmless
- When it comes to toxicity, this species is non-toxic to humans but sensitive to chemicals on human skin. 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.
- Estágio de vida
- Metamorphosis
- Their development features fully aquatic tadpoles that develop into large froglets and live over a decade. Providing the correct environmental parameters at each stage is vital for proper growth. Adult specimens can be incredibly rewarding to keep.
- Tolerância de tratamento
- Display only
- Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum to protect their permeable skin, using wet gloves if necessary. Amphibians have delicate, permeable skin that is easily damaged by dry hands or chemicals. Whenever possible, observe them without direct physical contact.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- Regarding brumation, this species does not undergo true brumation as a tropical species, requiring steady heat. It is important to research the exact temperature gradients required for your specific animal. Improper temperature drops can lead to severe health issues.
- Muda
- Periodic
- The molting process is fascinating; it periodically sheds skin rapidly, consuming it to recycle valuable nutrients. 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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