Description: An attractive tree frog from the humid jungles of northern South America where it lives in hollow tree cavities that usually contain a pool of water. Successfully captive bred, it is now available fairly regularly. Adults have dark gray or brown bands, spots and swirls on a light blue-gray to greenish background. Juveniles start out with blackish and bluish-white irregular bands. The skin is very bumpy. They are called milk frogs because of the milky-white poisonous secretion that can be produced when it feels threatened. Use care when handling them and always wash your hands afterward.

Adult size is usually 2 ½" to 4", males are about an inch smaller than females. It could take more than 2 years to reach maturity and they may live for more than 10 years.

Temperature: Daytime 72° to 82°F, slightly cooler at night. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred. Tolerant of a wide range of temps and should not be harmed by short periods outside of this range.

Humidity: Moderately high, 60% to 70% is best but a wide range can be tolerated. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Lighting:Plant grow-lights are necessary for live plants. Use a timer with an average of 12 hours on / 12 hours off. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities.

Feeding: Appropriately sized crickets are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. Pinky mice can be offered occasionally. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing frogs. Clean water should be available at all times.

Habitat: A 20-gallon tank with a secure ventilated top will suffice for several frogs, a larger and taller tank would be better. Set it up as a forest or jungle habitat. These frogs like to climb, so branches and sturdy plants should be included in the set-up. Hiding spots in the upper part of the enclosure are preferred. Short sections of large diameter PVC pipe will work but simulated tree holes are the best.

Sexing: Females are usually larger, males call and nuptial pads are visible on the inside of the front thumbs, especially at breeding time.

Breeding: In the wild, these frogs only breed inside hollow tree cavities containing a suitable pool of water. A rain chamber set up in a way that accommodates this need should trigger breeding.

Set it up with a false bottom that allows the "rain" to drain away. A simulated tree cavity is needed as a breeding site. A plastic box containing about 2" of water with overflow holes in the sides to keep it from over filling will work. Be sure to cut an entrance hole in the top.

From 20 to 1000 eggs may be laid and should be kept at temps in the upper 70’s to hatch.

Raise the tadpoles in shallow, filtered water and feed them fine grade tropical fish food. They grow fast at first and metamorphoses takes place in about 5 to 8 weeks.

Metamorphs are about ½’ long and can eat pinhead crickets, fruit flies and other tiny insects.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna