White-Lipped Tree Frog

Litoria infrafrenata

   White-Lipped tree frogs are also known as New Guinea and Australian Giant tree frogs. This species is known as the largest species of arboreal frogs, with adults reaching 3½ to 5 inches in length. The body is solid green to brown, and the bottom jaw is lined with a bright white stripe.

-In Nature-

Range

The natural habitats of Litoria infrafrenata are north-eastern Australia and New Guinea.

Life Span

These frogs live 10 or more years in the wild on average.

Diet 

In their natural habitat, these frogs eat moths, beetles, roaches, smaller frogs, and even very small mammals.

-In Captivity-

Life Span

In captivity, these frogs are known to live up to and over 10 years, and have been recorded to live as long as 20 years.

Diet

White-Lipped tree frogs may be fed crickets, earthworms, roaches, hornworms, and silkworms.

Housing

One adult may be housed in a 20 gallon high terrarium, but larger and taller terrariums are better and will house more individuals. The enclosure should have plenty of vines and plants for climbing and hiding. The water bowl should be large enough for soaking, but shallow to prevent drowning. The substrate should be moist paper towels, coconut fiber, or orchid bark (such as Reptibark).

Feeding

2 or 3 prey items should be offered at each feeding. Juveniles under 3 inches in length should be fed daily. Adults should be fed every other day. Prey items should always be gut loaded, and dusted with vitamins and calcium twice weekly.

Temperature

75 to 80°F days, >72°F nights

Humidity

55 to 70%

Heating & Lighting

No special lighting is required, but a 25 or 50 Watt halogen will accommodate heating needs, and provide suitable lighting, if the ambient heat is not enough. UVB is not required but a 5.0 bulb may be used. These frogs should have a light cycle of 10 hours of light and 14 hours of darkness.

Handling

Although these frogs may handle well, this should be avoided unless necessary to avoid absorption of oils and other toxic matter into the frogs skin.

Compatibility

White-Lipped tree frogs are social, and can be kept in groups when provided with enough space, as long as all tank mates are the same or very similar in size.