| Common Name: | Northern Green Tree Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Litoria caerulea |
| Genus: | Litoria |
| Status: | Secure – Category 2 |
| Size: | 77mm (Male) – 110mm (Female) |
If you are purchasing reptiles in Western Australia, you must hold the required Category license for the animals you are purchasing.
Body small to large and slender to robust. Pupils horizontal. Vomerine teeth present or absent. Eardrums at least partly visible. Limbs short to long and fingers and toes with terminal discs, fingers webbed or un-webbed, toes webbed. Litoria caerulea: SVL 77mm (male) 110mm (female) Is one of the biggest of the tree frogs. Has a benign placid look. It has large glands behind its head which contains a slimy secretion. Eats mainly insects, small birds bats and mice. Will take anything that will fit into its gaping mouth.
Occur in a variety of habitats such as woodlands and forest in the Kimberley.
Terrarium: There are several terrariums of different sizes available, the required size will vary based on number of frogs you wish to house together. An enclosure that is 45x45x60 (WxDxH) will be suitable to house four frogs, having a bit of height to the enclosure will ensure that the water temperature does not get to high.
Lighting & Heating: Northern Green Tree Frogs are a subtropical species; warm humid conditions are favourable. They require high spectrum UVB lighting as well as a basking heat source. There are a number of ways to provide UVB, fluorescent 10.0 spectrum tubes or bulbs will provide UVB, a heat globe will have to be used in conjunction. A mercury vapour globe will provide intense UVA & UVB light, mercury vapour globes are in our opinion superior to fluorescents as it is a longer lasting globe with more intense UVB output, however they cannot be used with a thermostat so work better with a larger enclosure that will easier maintain a thermal gradient. A nice warm basking spot around 35°c should be provided, and temperatures of 20-25°C in the cool end. To monitor the temperatures inside the enclosure a thermometer should always be used.
Furnishings: an elevated basking area can be provided using logs, vines or ornaments. Artificial foliage throughout the enclosure will allow plenty of hiding spots and coverage. A water conditioner must be used to remove any chlorines from the water.
Dry set up: artificial turf or a ‘Moss Mat’ can be used as substrate, a water bowl large enough for the frogs to fully submerge must be provided
Semi-aquatic set up: an aquarium gravel or larger stones can be used as a substrate, a submersible pump to keep the water moving and plenty of rocks or ornaments throughout the bottom of the enclosure so the frogs and easily get out of the water.
Food in captivity: Northern Green Tree Frogs will eat mostly crickets, wood roaches and silk worms in captivity as they are primarily insectivores, large adults can have the occasional pinky mouse as a treat. Food items will need to be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements.
The essentials:
