Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Tiger Leaf Frog, Tiger-Leg Monkey Frog, Tiger-Leg Leaf Frog.
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The name Tiger refers to the bold black-and-orange banding on the legs.
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“Monkey frog” comes from their strong climbing ability and use of long limbs to grip branches.
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Pithecopus derives from Greek meaning “ape-footed,” again referencing their climbing behavior.
Characteristics
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Arboreal, nocturnal frog with long, slender limbs.
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Known for bright, eye-catching leg striping that contrasts with its green body.
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Excellent climbers, spending most of their time in vegetation above ground.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” for a pair.
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Taller enclosures are preferred due to their arboreal lifestyle.
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Provide vertical branches, cork, and live plants with broad leaves for perching and egg deposition.
Temperature
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Daytime: 74–82°F (23–28°C).
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Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C).
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A thermal gradient within the enclosure is beneficial.
Humidity
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60–80% range, with nightly misting to simulate natural dew.
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Unlike many dart frogs, they prefer slightly lower daytime humidity and good ventilation.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: small crickets, roaches, houseflies, and other appropriately sized insects.
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Offer food 3–4 times per week.
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Dust prey with calcium and vitamin supplements regularly.
Color/Pattern
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Dorsal coloration: bright to dark green, sometimes with a bluish or yellowish tint.
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Hind legs: striking black-and-orange banding (“tiger stripes”).
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Undersides are pale to white.
Social Behavior
How to Determine Sex
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Males: slightly smaller, develop nuptial pads (thumb pads) during breeding season, and produce advertisement calls.
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Females: larger and bulkier, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Stimulate breeding by increasing misting and providing a rain chamber setup.
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Males call to attract females.
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Eggs are laid on folded leaves overhanging water.
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Tadpoles drop into the water below after hatching and develop into froglets in aquatic setups.
