Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: White’s Tree Frog, Australian Green Tree Frog, Dumpy Tree Frog.
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Named after John White, the surgeon general who first described the species.
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Nicknamed “dumpy” due to their chunky body shape and folds of skin.
Characteristics
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Hardy, calm-tempered, and one of the most common pet tree frogs.
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Known for being docile, often tolerating gentle handling better than most frogs.
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Famous for its “smiling” expression and large golden eyes.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” for 1–2 adults.
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Larger enclosures (36” tall or more) are recommended for groups.
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Provide climbing branches, large leaves, and horizontal perches.
Temperature
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Daytime: 75–85°F (24–29°C).
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Nighttime: 65–72°F (18–22°C).
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Can tolerate warmer temperatures briefly, but provide cooler retreats.
Humidity
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50–70% average, with regular misting.
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Requires good ventilation to prevent bacterial/fungal skin issues.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: crickets, roaches, moths, and other appropriately sized insects.
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Adults can occasionally take pinkie mice or feeder fish, but insects should be the staple diet.
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Feed 3–4 times per week; dust prey with calcium and vitamins.
Color/Pattern
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Normal form is bright to dark green, sometimes turquoise or blue-green.
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Some individuals show white or golden spots along the back and sides.
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Pale underbelly; skin texture is smooth but slightly waxy.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed singly, in pairs, or in groups with adequate space.
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Generally docile toward cage-mates.
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Known to be vocal — males produce a loud, distinctive croak at night.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, develop dark nuptial pads on thumbs, and call loudly.
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Females: larger, rounder body.
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Sexing juveniles is difficult until maturity.
How to Breed
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Stimulate breeding with a rain chamber setup (heavy misting, water depth, and warmer temps).
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Males call loudly to attract females.
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Eggs are laid in water, usually attached to vegetation in clusters.
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Tadpoles are aquatic and can metamorphose in 6–8 weeks depending on diet and conditions.
🐸 The Australian White’s Tree Frog is considered one of the best beginner tree frogs due to its hardiness, docile nature, and long lifespan.
