A very popular tree frog that is by nature placid and easily tamed, some will readily accept food from humans.

Description:
This is a large, smooth skinned, heavy bodied tree frog. The color may vary from a very pretty jade to a rather bright green, to olive brown. Some examples have a bluish cast. This frog is also known as the “Australian Green”, “giant Green”, and the “white’s Tree frog”. The females of this species tend to develop heavy supratympanal folds that extend forward, and are best developed above the eyes. In some particularly old and obese specimens, these ridges may become so enlarged and pendulous that they actually droop over at least part of the eye, partially obscuring vision. Both sexes have a short and rounded nose.

It has been known that the blue coloration of the dumpy tree frogs may be caused by a diet deficient to a degree in Beta-carotene. Some Dumpy Tree frogs have a variable amount of white spotting on their dorsum. Breeding programs are now underway to increase the amount of white present. The glandular skin of the dumpy tree frog is resistant to desiccation. The belly skin is granular. The toe pads are large and although these frogs are proportionality stout, they climb well. The territorial and breeding calls of the Whites tree frog are a single, harsh, often repeated croak.

Size and Lifespan

Male dumpy tree frogs seldom exceed 3 ½ inches (9 cm) in length, but some females may attain a length of almost 5 inches ( 13 cm). White’s tree frogs are very hardy and long lived. Many captives have lived for more than 15 years, and it is probable that more than 25 years could be attained.

Natural Range

Male dumpy tree frogs occur throughout the Northern half of Australia and in Southern New Guinea. Because they are resistant to desiccation and drought, dumpy tree frogs are able to colonize in relatively dry regions. Examples from the Southern part of the range have proven to be quite cold tolerant. As would be expected, those from the more tropical areas of Northern Australia and Indonesia are more cold sensitive and must be kept warm throughout the year.

Captive Care

Dumpy tree frogs will thrive for years on a regimen of minimal care. They are quiet, are almost always ready to eat, and the somewhat comical appearance of the old adults endears them to many folks who otherwise have little interest in frogs. A 5 gallon tank is large enough for two or three new metamorphoses. A ten gallon will house two adults satisfactorily. In suitable warm weather, dumpy tree frogs may be kept outside in cages of wood and wire construction (containing plants and a water dish). These frogs are particularly at home in heavily planted green houses.
Daytime terrarium temperatures of 80 – 85 degrees and nighttime lows of 68 to 75 degrees are acceptable. The glandular secretions of a dumpy tree frog and most other frogs will irritate mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth) Wash your hands both before and after handling this frog species.

Breeding

Visual determination of the sex is difficult. Adult male dumpy tree frogs often develop a darker throat with looser skin than that of the female. The loose skin accommodates the swelling of the vocal sac during chorusing. Males are also slightly smaller than the females. To cycle healthy, heavy adults, provide a natural photoperiod and cool the frogs to about 68 degrees for a period of 60 days. After 60 days return your frogs to their natural regimen of warmth and feed them heavily. After about a week begin to use the hydration chamber. A healthy female may lay between 1,000 and 4,000 eggs. Decide on the number you wish to raise, and discard the rest. The jelly coated eggs will hatch in three to seven days. If conditions are optimum, metamorphosis may occur in just over four week’s time, but can take up to two months time. The metamorphoses will require many tiny, vitamin enhanced insects.