Green Tree Frog
(Hylidae cinerea)

Green tree frogs come from the southeastern United States and are only 1½ to 2 inches long. Green tree frogs get their name from their bright green color. Green tree frogs also have a white strip on each side and may also have yellow spots on the head and body.

Difficulty

NOVICE: The Green tree frog's smaller size make it an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons or more, depending on the number of green tree frogs kept) with a secure lid

Substrate, such as:

• Potting soil
• Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting
• Paper Towels

A heating element, such as:

• Under the tank heater
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Green tree frogs do well in a 10 gallon aquarium with a tight fitting lid. Green tree frogs are arboreal, so plenty of live plants and branches should be provided since tree frogs will spend most of their time being high in the enclosure. Plants and hollow logs and branches provide shelter and security.

Substrate

Green tree frogs can be kept on potting soil, peat moss or a few sheets of damp paper towels on the bottom of the aquarium. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your green tree frog. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It is important to completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your green tree frog. Avoid using small bark and gravel as a substrate due to danger of accidental ingestion which can lead to health problems for the Green tree frog.

Heating and Light

Green tree frogs should have daytime temperatures of 72°F to 75°F. Nightime temperatures should be 65°F to 70°F. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Green tree frogs are nocturnal and do not require bulbs to provide UVA or UVB, however if live plants are used a plant grow bulb should be used to keep the plants healthy. An under tank heater can be used to increase the ambient temperature of the enclosure. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures.

Diet

Green tree frogs are insectivores. Crickets, cockroaches, locusts, moths and beetles can all be offered to Green tree frogs. Pinky mice may also be occasionally offered as well. Adult Green tree frogs should be fed once every two to three days. Young tree frogs should be fed more frequently. Fat is stored in the supratympanic ridges of the Green tree frog, so if the supratympanic ridges seem enlarged it may indicate over eating and feeding. The enclosure should be misted daily and a small water dish should be offered.