Origin

South America

Habitat

Moist lowland forests and swamps

Average Size

25 - 35 mm

Lifespan

4 - 6 years

General Information

Clown Tree Frogs, Dendropsophus leucophyllatus, are a small, attractive hylid that have become increasingly popular in recent years. D. leucophyllatus originate from tropical rainforests across the Amazon and the Guyanas. The average Clown Tree Frog reaches about 2 inches in length, with females being the larger of the two sexes. Clowns generally have a uniform red-brown color on the top of the body and an orange underside with either a pattern of reticulated yellow or yellow blotches on the dorsal side.

Proper Caging and Environment Size

A pair of Clown Tree Frogs can be kept comfortably in a 10 gallon tank, although a larger tank can be used. The frogs will often be much more active when given a larger living space, so this can make keeping these frogs that much more enjoyable.

Heat and Lighting

Clowns should be kept between the mid-70s and low-80s. These frogs do not require any special UV lighting in order to thrive. A standard fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulb should still be used to provide a photoperiod as well as to provide light for any live plants in the tank. If you have live plants in the vivarium, then you may need a bulb that puts out brighter light depending on the species of plants.

Substrate

Clown Tree Frogs do well on a number of substrates including shredded coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. The substrate should be about 2-4 inches in depth so any live plants have room to grow. If plants are going to be in the vivarium, a drainage layer made up of small pea sized gravel should be added below the coconut fiber or sphagnum layer.

Live Plants

All frogs greatly benefit from having live plants in the vivarium. They increase air flow and quality as well as the humidity of the tank. Some good plants for these frogs include Philodendron, Sansevaria, and Pothos as well as any other tropical large leaved plants.

Branches

These tree frogs will benefit from having numerous branches to climb and perch on. These branches can be oriented any which way and should be approximately the same width as the frog.

Water

Water should be provided through daily mistings. Misting once or twice a day with high quality, dechlorinated water should be sufficient. In order to provide adequate humidity in the tank, a glass canopy should be used. Another thing to consider with a humid tank is air flow. A small computer fan can be used to help keep the air in the tank from becoming stagnant.

Feeding

The diet of these frogs consists of just about any insect small enough that they can fit into their mouths. This includes small crickets, waxworms (these should be fed sparingly as they are high in fat), nymph cockroaches, and other small insects. It is best to offer your tree frogs as varied a diet as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your Clown Tree Frogs, please call to speak with one of our reptile room employees at 717-299-5691 ext.1240.