Giant Mexican Leaf Frog
Pachymedusa dacnicolor
Description
Giant Mexican leaf frogs, as the name suggests are large arboreal frogs native to parts of Mexico. They range in colors from brown to intense green with gold spots dorsally, with a cream-colored underbelly. Occasionally they exhibit orange highlights on their legs and/or digits. Their overall appearance is rotund, but their most remarkable feature is their eyes, beautifully golden and reticulated with black. Fully-grown they range in size from 6.5 to more than 10 centimeters. In captivity they have lived nearly 9 years.
Natural Habitat
Giant Mexican leaf frogs range from the semi-arid subtropical forest of the Mexican lowlands along the Pacific coast to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and northward to southern Sonora. Thus, these frogs have managed to exist on the periphery of the Sonoran desert. In the wild, giant Mexican leaf frogs have adapted to a relatively arid environment relying upon a pronounced rainy season for survival.
Artificial Habitat
Because giant Mexican leaf frogs come from such an arid region they require a relatively dry habitat. Aquariums can be used but adequate ventilation (not drafts or moving air) should be provided so as to eliminate the buildup of condensation or unnecessary humidity. They should still be provided with a small, shallow water dish, but will do better if they are misted in once or twice a day. In their native habitat the majority of their water consumption comes via dew or mist. Giant Mexican leaf frogs, also as the name implies, prefer large leafy vegetation. Pothos, philodendron or any similarly large-leafed plant either real or artificial will provide adequate habitat. Substrate can be bare, newspaper, leaf litter, moss, dirt or sand, but should remain as dry as possible.
Diet
Giant Mexican leaf frogs are insectivores and eat most types of bugs. In captivity crickets, earthworms, moths and flies are good sources of food. As with most captive-kept frog species food items should be dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure adequate nutrition.
Caveats
Giant Mexican leaf frogs are more susceptible to stress than some other species of frog. When first introduced into an enclosure they should be allowed to assimilate for a day or two before handling, and even at that point handling should be kept at a minimum. After the frog(s) have become accustomed to the environment, including the regular feeding and misting (usually after a week or two), more frequent visits will be accepted without unnecessary stress.
Why would I want a giant Mexican leaf frog?
Giant Mexican leaf frogs are fascinating frogs in many ways. They move more deliberately than most frogs, seeming to prefer to walk than jump and they feed in a rather chameleon-like way; the tongue jutting out in a relatively straightforward and casual fashion. They are large as tree frogs go and tend to be fairly active at night. Furthermore, the beauty of their eyes is similar to the beauty of the genus Agalychnis.