Whites Treefrog

A fun, chunky treefrog with a big appetite. Adults can reach 4 inches long and are also known as “dumpy treefrogs”. Best kept on moss or coco fiber with branches and plants. Whites are a hardy species and make an idea starter frog.

White’s Tree Frog Care Guide

Scientific Name: Litoria caerulea
Also Known As: Dumpy Tree Frog / Australian Green Tree Frog
Adult Size: 7–12 cm
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
Activity: Nocturnal
Diet: Insectivore

Size

• Adults usually reach 7–12 cm.
• Females are generally larger than males.

Housing

• Tall, secure vivarium with plenty of vertical space.
• For 1–2 adults, aim for at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm, with larger being preferable.
• Provide sturdy branches, cork, vines and broad-leaved plants at different heights.
• Include a large, shallow water bowl that allows the frog to soak comfortably.

Temperature

• Day: 24–29°C
• Basking area: around 26–30°C; never allow it to become excessively hot.
• Night: around 18–22°C.
• Always use a thermostat with any heat source.

Lighting

• Provide a low-level UVB source, around 5–6%, on a 10–12 hour day/night cycle.
• Provide plenty of shaded areas so the frog can avoid the light when required.

Humidity

• Aim for approximately 50–70%, allowing some variation.
• Mist regularly with dechlorinated water, but don't keep the enclosure permanently saturated.
• Good ventilation is essential.

Food

• Feed appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, locusts and calciworms.
• Adults can generally be fed every 2–3 days.
• Dust feeders with calcium and provide a suitable multivitamin regularly.

Water

• Provide fresh, clean dechlorinated water at all times.
• Change the water daily or whenever contaminated.
• Clean the water bowl regularly.

Shedding

• White’s Tree Frogs shed regularly and will often eat their own shed skin.
• Good hydration and appropriate humidity help ensure healthy shedding.

Handling

• Keep handling to a minimum.
• Their skin is delicate and can absorb substances from our hands.
• If handling is necessary, use clean, powder-free disposable gloves moistened with dechlorinated water.

Health

Watch for:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abnormal skin colour or sores
• Difficulty climbing
• Swollen or sunken eyes
• Weight loss
• Abnormal breathing

Seek an exotic-vet assessment if you notice persistent changes.

Cleaning

• Remove faeces, shed skin and uneaten insects daily.
• Clean and refresh the water bowl daily.
• Spot-clean substrate as required.
• Perform a more thorough enclosure clean regularly while preserving the beneficial organisms in established bioactive setups.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Have the vivarium fully set up and temperature/humidity tested beforehand.
• Install thermostat, lighting and UVB.
• Add sturdy climbing branches and suitable plants.
• Provide a large water bowl.
• Have livefood and supplements ready.
• Use dechlorinated water.

Important Bits

• 🐸 Arboreal: vertical climbing space is essential.
• 🌡️ Always use a thermostat with heating.
• 💧 Avoid keeping the enclosure constantly wet; airflow is important.
• 🪲 Never offer insects larger than the frog can comfortably swallow.
• 🧤 Handle only when necessary and use moistened powder-free gloves.
• 🌙 They are primarily nocturnal, so don't expect lots of daytime activity.
• 🐸 White’s Tree Frogs can be kept together, but frogs should be of similar size and the enclosure must be appropriately spacious