White’s Tree Frog (Normal) Scientific Name: Pelodryas caeruleaCommon Name: White’s Tree Frog, Australian Green Tree Frog Species Overview Size: Adults typically reach 3 to 4.5 inches (7.5 to 11.5 cm), with females slightly larger. Appearance: The Normal White’s Tree Frog displays the classic appearance of the species. Skin is smooth, thick, and slightly waxy, ranging in colour from bright green to blue-green or soft teal depending on mood, lighting, and individual variation. Some frogs show light speckling or cream highlights along the flanks, while others are uniformly coloured. The body is rounded and heavy-set, with muscular limbs and large adhesive toe pads suited for climbing. Eyes are typically golden or bronze with horizontal pupils. Distribution: Native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Habitat: In the wild, White’s Tree Frogs inhabit forests, woodland edges, riparian zones, rocky outcrops, and even human dwellings. They favour shaded, elevated resting places such as tree hollows, vegetation, and crevices. Behaviour: Calm, hardy, and generally tolerant of observation, these frogs are nocturnal and become active after dusk. They climb readily, perch in elevated spaces, and vocalise in humid conditions. They are known for their gentle temperament and adaptability to captive environments. Captive Care Enclosure: A single adult or small group thrives in an 18 × 18 × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) enclosure, while larger groups benefit from a 24 × 18 × 24 inches (60 × 45 × 60 cm) setup. Provide sturdy branches, cork rounds, vines, and broad leaves to create vertical pathways and secure resting spots. Use a moisture-retentive but well-drained substrate such as coco fibre, soil blends, or sphagnum mixtures. Include a large, shallow water basin, as these frogs soak frequently. Temperature and Humidity:Ambient temperature: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C)Warm area: 84 to 86°F (29 to 30°C)Night temperature: 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C)Humidity: 50 to 80%, maintained through regular misting with strong ventilation. Lighting: Provide low to moderate UVB (2 to 5%) and bright, diffused full-spectrum lighting. Diet: Offer medium to large insects such as crickets, roaches, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms, hornworms, and occasional waxworms. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins. Behaviour in Captivity: Normal White’s Tree Frogs adapt well to naturalistic or semi-planted enclosures. They become active at night, climbing, exploring, and showing strong feeding responses. Although more tolerant of handling than many amphibians, handling should remain minimal. Special Considerations:• Handle only with wet, powder-free gloves to protect their sensitive skin.• Ensure strong airflow—this species is prone to respiratory issues if kept in stagnant humidity.• Avoid constantly saturated substrate; maintain humidity through cycles of misting and drying.• Provide sturdy climbing décor that can support their weight.• Use only dechlorinated or RO water for soaking and misting.• Monitor body condition regularly due to the species’ predisposition to obesity. Taxonomy Note Pelodryas caerulea is a member of the family Pelodryadidae and is closely related to other tree frog species of Australia and New Guinea. Its robustness, gentle temperament, and adaptability have contributed to its popularity in the pet trade. Genetics Note Normal White’s Tree Frogs do not express any of the known selectively bred visual lines, such as Honey, Blue Phase, Snow Flake, or Blue-Eyed forms. They represent the species’ natural colouration, though individuals may vary in shade, brightness, and speckling due to natural genetic diversity. While multiple selective captive lines exist for Pelodryas caerulea, the Normal form does not display those traits and is not associated with any defined single-gene mutation.
