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White's
Tree Frog/Dumpy Frog
(Litoria caerulea)
Dumpy frogs are found
throughout New Guinea,
northern Australia, and the
surrounding islands. They
are large arboreal tree
frogs and are very easy to
care for in captivity.
Dumpy frogs are typically
inactive during the day and
can be found hunting for
food at night. Female dumpy
frogs are larger than males
and adult frogs can reach
3-4 inches in length.
Sexing these frogs is
difficult, if you hear your
frog calling or singing it’s
definitely a male. With
proper care dumpy frogs can
live 10-20 years or more in
captivity.
Temperature
Dumpy frogs need to be
maintained between 78-85
degrees during the day.
Nighttime temperatures can
drop into the mid 60’s.
During the summertime you
probably won’t need any
supplemental heating.
However, during the winter
months you should probably
use a low wattage heat
light. A red or other dark
colored light can be used at
night and these lights will
not disturb your frogs day
and night cycle. UVB
lighting is not necessary
but is recommended for dumpy
frogs. The UVB light will
benefit any live plants and
enhance the colors of your
frogs. Humidity is
important and you should
mist your cage in the
evening hours. Make sure
you don’t soak the entire
cage, a fine misting will be
sufficient.
Housing
Dumpy frogs can be housed
comfortably in 10-29 gallon
or larger terrariums. The
cage should include plants
(live or silk), branches and
a water bowl. Do not use
distilled or purified water
for any amphibians. Never
place a cage near a window
where sunlight can directly
shine on your cage. Cages
placed in direct sunlight
can easily overheat and
ultimately lead to the death
of your frog.
Bedding
We recommend using bark, Zoo
Meds’ Eco Earth, or coconut
bark. The substrate should
be deep enough for potted
plants if you choose to
setup a live vivarium.
Food
Dumpy frogs should be fed
appropriate sized crickets,
waxworms, and earthworms.
Ideally, you should feed
your dumpy frogs 3-5 times
each week. These frogs also
need a vitamin/mineral
supplement and you should
dust its crickets at least
twice a week.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. Fresh
clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Dumpy frogs can be
handled on a limited basis
and always wash your hands
before and after handling
them.