Description: Found in some forested areas of Tanzania. A medium sized tree frog, males thinner and 1¾ to 2" long, females fatter and 2¼ to 3" long. There are 2 different color phases, one is bright green with small black spots, black and white sides. Some specimens may also have white patches on the toes, elbows, heels or upper lip. The other phase is deep brown with a forward pointing, darker triangle on the back and a dark marking between the eyes. Many also have random lighter or darker markings on the back and legs. Both color phases have a white belly. In what could be considered a third phase, the frogs start out as the green phase and change to the brown phase as they mature. The eyes are large and beautiful.

Leptopelis vermiculatus and Leptopelis flavomaculatus seem to be very closely related, hybridization may be possible.

Temperature: 75°-80°F (24°-26°C) 5°-10°F drop at night A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Humidity: High humidity should be provided, approximately 70-80%. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Lighting: Plant grow lights are necessary for the live plants in a jungle habitat, use a timer to simulate the tropics, 12 hours on / 12 hours off. Seasonal day length fluctuations are not needed but could help to stimulate breeding. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities.

Feeding: Crickets are the main staple diet along with mealworms and various other insects when available. Dusting food items with a supplement (twice a week for adults and more often for young frogs) will help to keep them healthy. Clean water must be available at all times.

Habitat: A ten-gallon tank will work for a pair but a larger and taller tank would be more suitable. A jungle should be created with plants and branches to climb on and hide among. Be sure to provide areas of loose substrate for them to burrow into. These frogs can be seen actively roaming about their enclosure at night. During the day, they will sleep on plant leaves, branches, the glass, the ground or they may even bury themselves.

Breeding: Males call (like a bark, 2 to 3 times in succession) near water but little is known about the breeding behavior. Similar species of Leptopelis mate in the water and then bury the eggs in nests or depressions on land near streams or temporary pools. They hatch when a heavy rain comes and the tadpoles make their way into the water to develop. More research and information is needed with the Leptopelis species’ as habitat loss is a serious threat to them.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna