White's Tree Frog

Dumpy Tree Frog

Pelodryas caerulea

Description

There is probably no more ubiquitous frog in the pet industry than the White's tree frog. In their native Australia, White's tree frogs are simply known as green tree frogs, but elsewhere they are named after the first person to describe them, John White. A gentle disposition, amicable appearance and hearty constitution make this frog one of the most popular and easily kept of all anurans. Also unflatteringly referred to as "dumpy tree frogs", White's tree frogs are characteristically rotund, while captive specimens can become downright obese. As tree frogs go, White's are quite large, often between 4 and 5 inches (10-12 centimeters) in length and occasionally weighing nearly a half a pound (.25 kilograms). White's tree frogs are also known for their longevity, captive specimens over 20 years old are well documented.

Natural Habitat

White's tree frogs are native to Australia, New Guinea and several outlying islands within the Torres Strait, where they inhabit a variety of terrains. The only common factors within their range is the presence of water throughout most of the year and the availability of hiding spaces. It is not uncommon for several dozen White's to utilize the same hiding space, often wedging themselves together in a veritable frog mass. At Sandfire we have noticed they seem to have a particular affinity for PVC pipe. The diversity of habitats in which the White's tree frog can thrive has led some to believe that their may be more than one species or at least several subspecies of Pelodryas caerulea. Regardless of lineage, the White's tree frog remains one of the most adaptable of frogs.

Artificial Habitat

White's tree frogs are undoubtedly one of the most easily cared for frogs. Given an adequate food supply, water bowl and basking spot, most White's will live a long and happy life. Ideally, an adult White's should have at least a ten-gallon aquarium, a large water bowl (big enough for the frog to soak in), a basking spot on which the frog can sit in the sun or underneath a warm light, and some form of shelter. Although White's tree frogs enjoy water, they do not like to be in perpetually damp surroundings. An enclosure kept mostly dry and misted occasionally is ideal. All enclosures should incorporate a temperature gradient with a warm basking spot at one end and some form of shelter and/or cooling off area at the other. White's tree frogs will spend the majority of the day basking, so provide adequate surface area for them to perch upon. Big, leafy plants such as pothos, philodendron, and some bromeliads are good choices. If aesthetics are less of a concern, PVC pipes provide hiding places and can be fitted together to create "pseudo-trees" and/or basking spots.

Diet

White's tree frogs are insectivorous 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 insects should be dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure adequate nutrition. White's also enjoy the occasional pinky (baby, hairless) mouse in addition to their regular diet. White's have a natural tendency towards obesity, and in captivity this can become exacerbated. A couple of ways to address this problem are to provide food that the frog actually has to catch (crickets and flying insects help provide some exercise) and obviously, avoid overfeeding. With adult White's, unconsumed food should be removed an hour or two after feeding.

Caveats

Longevity? White's tree frogs have been known to live up to 20 years (although the average is probably more like 7-10 years), so the purchase of one of these wonderful frogs is definitely a commitment. Keep in mind that most dogs and cats don't live any longer than a White's, albeit they require far more attention. Although they are not blatantly cannibalistic, given the extraordinary size differences, the chances of an adult White's eating a baby intentionally or not is relatively great. For this reason it is recommended that White's be kept with similar sized frogs.