🐸 White’s Tree Frog

(Litoria caerulea)

Also called:

• Australian Green Tree Frog
  
  

• Dumpy Tree Frog
  
  

• Blue Tree Frog (when their color shifts!)
  
  

This species is famous for its calm personality, adorable expressions, and tolerance of life around humans. They are one of the best beginner-friendly amphibians and are extremely hardy.

🌏 Natural Range

Native to:

• Australia (especially northern and eastern regions)
  
  

• New Guinea
  
  

• Indonesia
  
  

Often found in rainforests, eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and even around homes—inside mailboxes, bathrooms, and water tanks!

🌈 Appearance

White’s tree frogs are known for their cute, chubby look.

Coloration:

• Usually emerald green, mint green, blue-green, or turquoise
  
  

• Some turn bright blue in cooler temperatures or from genetics
  
  

• Their color can shift depending on mood, humidity, temperature, and lighting
  
  

Build:

• Smooth, waxy skin
  
  

• Large toe pads for climbing
  
  

• Big, golden eyes
  
  

• Rounded, “dumpy” body (hence the nickname)
  
  

Size:

• 3–4.5 inches (females larger than males)
  
  

🧠 Personality

White’s tree frogs are famous for being:

• Calm
  
  

• Gentle
  
  

• Slow-moving
  
  

• Tolerant of handling (more than most frogs)
  
  

• Goofy and expressive
  
  

They often perch in one spot for long periods and may even “watch” you with curiosity.

They also have a reputation for overeating—they become chunky easily!

🌙 Behavior

• Nocturnal but may be active at dusk
  
  

• Excellent climbers
  
  

• Will soak in water often
  
  

• Known for their loud, distinctive “waa… waa… waa” call
  
  

• Can live in harmony as groups, but only similarly sized frogs
  
  

🍽️ Diet

In the wild, they eat:

• Insects
  
  

• Spiders
  
  

• Small invertebrates
  
  

In captivity, a balanced diet includes:

• Crickets
  
  

• Dubia roaches
  
  

• Hornworms
  
  

• Silkworms
  
  

• Mealworms/waxworms (occasional treats only)
  
  

Dust food with calcium and vitamins, especially for young frogs.

They can become overweight, so limit fatty feeders and avoid pinky mice except in rare cases (not necessary for good health).

🏡 Habitat & Care

Enclosure

• 18x18x24 (vertical) for 1–2 frogs
  
  

• Big climbing space: branches, cork bark, vines
  
  

• Live plants like pothos, philodendron, and bromeliads
  
  

• Hiding spots and shaded areas
  
  

• Bioactive setups work wonderfully
  
  

Temperature

• Day: 75–82°F
  
  

• Night: 65–75°F
  
  

• They tolerate cooler temps better than extreme heat
  
  

Humidity

• 50–70% (not as high as some tropical species)
  
  

• Mist once daily or use an automatic mister
  
  

• Provide a shallow dish of dechlorinated water
  
  

Substrate

• Eco-earth, coco fiber, or bioactive substrate
  
  

• Avoid anything that can cause impaction
  
  

Lighting

• Low-intensity UVB is optional but beneficial
  
  

• A normal day/night cycle keeps them healthy
  
  

💧 Water Needs

• Always use dechlorinated or conditioned water
  
  

• Change soaking water daily
  
  

• Keep the environment moist but not dripping wet
  
  

• Good ventilation prevents skin infections
  
  

🧬 Lifespan

White’s tree frogs are known for living a long time:

• 15–20 years
  
  

• Some documented over 25 years in captivity
  
  

⚠️ Things to Watch For

• Obesity (common in this species)
  
  

• Red-leg syndrome (bacterial)
  
  

• Fungal infections from poor ventilation
  
  

• Stress if overcrowded or overheated
  
  

🐾 Fun Facts

• They secrete a natural compound called caerulein, once used medically.
  
  

• Their calm nature makes them a favorite in classrooms and outreach programs.
  
  

• Some individuals turn blue due to pigment loss with age.
  
  

• They can climb glass effortlessly using sticky toe pads.
  
  

• Known as the “smiling frog” because of their facial shape.