Green Tree Frog

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Common Group: TREE FROGS
Common Name: Green Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla cinerea
Distribution: Southeastern U.S.A.
Size: 1.5" - 2.5"

Natural habitat

These little green gems inhabit large areas along the south east coast of North America. They are found in woods and scrub areas, especially near streams and ponds. They are often found in the backyards of folks living in their range, and frequently can be heard calling throughout the summer months.

Behavior

Because these frogs are small and easily frightened, they often do not do well with frequent handling. Some specimens do seem to tolerate occasional handling, however, so handling frequency should be determined on an individual basis. The little frogs tend to be nocturnal, and in captivity they will be the most active once the lights are off. Males frequently call most of the year, especially after being misted in the tank.

Captive environment

1 or 2 Green Tree Frogs can be comfortably housed in a 10 gallon tank, or a 12 x 12 x 18 glass terrarium. Of course, bigger is always better, especially if you want to keep more than 2 frogs in your cage.

These frogs enjoy high humidity, and a substrate that allows plenty of water to evaporate throughout the day should be used. This can be orchid bark, cypress mulch, jungle bedding, or coconut husk bedding. In addition to a bedding that can hold moisture, humidity can be increased with sphagnum moss, which will also add to the aesthetic appeal of your terrarium.

Furnishings in the cage should allow the frog to hide during the day, as well as provide surface area for water to land when the cage is misted. The more foliage in the cage, the happier the frog will be, so make sure your cage looks like a lush tropical paradise! Use of live plants, fake vines, jungle vines, tropical plants, or even magnetically attached jungle plants will help your frogs feel much more at home. In addition to foliage, branches, caves, cork flats, and cork rounds can provide additional hiding places for the frogs.

Temperature and Lighting

Hailing from the US, Green Tree Frogs do not need exceptionally hot temperatures to thrive in captivity. A simple day bulb should be sufficient to create a warm area in the cage that reaches the high 80s. At night, drops into the low 70s are acceptable, and if your cage is getting too cool, a night bulb will help keep temperatures comfortable for the frogs.

In addition to heat, UVB lighting can be very beneficial to the longevity of your Green Tree Frogs. Use of a compact fluorescent will light up your cage, help your plants grow, and also help your frogs correctly metabolize nutrients in their diet.

Humidity

This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity, and should be misted daily with a hand spray bottle, or a pressure spray bottle. In addition daily misting, Green Tree Frogs should have access to a water bowl full of fresh, clean water.

Nutritional requirements

Green Tree Frogs live entirely off of insects in captivity, and will readily consume appropriate sized crickets. Some frogs will even eat small roaches!

All insects fed to your frogs should be gut loaded with a high quality cricket gutload, and immediately prior to be fed, they should be dusted in a high quality reptile calcium supplement at every feeding. About once a week, insects should be dusted in a high quality reptile multivitamin.