Common Name: Clown Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla leucophyllata
Adult Size: 35-40mm
Clown Tree Frogs are from the lowland humid rainforests of the Amazon valley and the wooded regions of Guiana. Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling your frog.
Enclosure:
Taller enclosures are recommended as Clown tree frog frogs are solely arboreal animals. A 10 gallon aquarium with a screen cover should work fine for 1 pair, increasing the size by 10 gallons per pair. Provide plenty of climbing and hiding places. Use live or artificial broad leafed plants and branches. Use a substrate of shredded coconut husks or reptile bark mixed with a reptile soil mix about 2 - 3 inches deep. Change the substrate about every 3 - 5 weeks, or as it becomes soiled.
Temperature:
Daytime temperatures should be in the mid to upper 70's, 76°f is the optimum temperature. Nighttime temperatures should be in the lower 70's. Newly acquired adults are usually a little under weight so keep them warmer during the day about 84 °f until they have acquired sufficient weight gain. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting:
Clown tree frogs do not like bright light. UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received. They spend all of their daylight hours under cover, or clinging inactively to the side of the aquarium. Use a red or night bulb for viewing you pet at night they cannot see red light.
Food:
Clown tree frogs will eat a variety of insects including crickets, flies, moths, spiders and grasshoppers. Once a week dust crickets with a vitamin supplement. Don't over-feed or feed a food item too large! Never leave live food long term with your pet.
Water:
A bowl of clean, dechlorinated water should always be available. Frogs do not drink water, they absorb it through their skin, therefore a water dish should be provided that is large enough for the animal to easily get in and out of. Change more often if the water appears dirty. A humidity level of 70 - 90% should be provided. Misting once or twice daily will help keep the humidity level up. However if water droplets form on the glass then your enclosure is too humid.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
