White's Tree Frog
White's Tree Frog (Ranoidea caerulea) (also called the Australian Green Tree Frog or "Dumpy Tree Frog") is one of the most popular pet frogs, known for a permanent "smile" and chubby appearance.
Updated: October 2026
Wash your hands after handling. The FDA notes that reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella and show no signs of illness, so the animal, its enclosure and everything in it can spread the germs: wash your hands with soap and water straight after touching any of them. The agency says children younger than 5, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems should not handle reptiles or amphibians. Source: FDA, Salmonella and pet reptiles and amphibians.
Overview
White's Tree Frog (Ranoidea caerulea) (also called the Australian Green Tree Frog or "Dumpy Tree Frog") is one of the most popular pet frogs, known for a permanent "smile" and chubby appearance. Among the most tolerant amphibians for occasional handling.
Natural History
Native to Australia and New Guinea. Nocturnal arboreal frog. Lives near water in forest and suburban areas.
Appearance
Adults 8-12 cm length. Bright green to blue-green, with characteristic chunky body (fat deposits in cheeks and supraorbital ridges).
Temperament & Handling
Calm. Better tolerates brief careful handling than most amphibians, but skin sensitivity remains - wash hands thoroughly, no soap or lotion residue, keep handling brief.
Enclosure
Minimum: 45 × 45 × 60 cm vertical for 1-2 adults.
Provide:
- Branches and vines for climbing.
- Live or fake plants.
- Large shallow water dish.
- Moist substrate.
Heating, Lighting, Humidity
- Day: 24-28°C.
- Night: 20-24°C.
- Humidity: 60-70%.
- Daytime UVB beneficial.
Diet
Insects: crickets, roaches, mealworms (occasional). Adults eat every 3-4 days.
Avoid: wax worms (fatty), pinky mice (cause obesity).
Health & Lifespan
15-20 years.
Common concerns:
- Obesity - very common.
- Chytrid fungus.
- Metabolic bone disease.
Pros & Cons
Pros: large, calm, tolerates handling better than most frogs, 15-20 year companion. Cons: nocturnal; prone to obesity.
Everyday gear for amphibians
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White's Tree Frog - frequently asked questions
How do I care for a White's tree frog?
It is one of the easier frogs to keep: docile, long-lived, with a broad diet and strong resistance to disease. The common problem is overfeeding: in captivity it gets live food in a small space and spends little energy catching it, so it easily becomes obese, laying down fat over the head and body (Wikipedia). Feed measured amounts rather than as much as it will take.
Why so chubby?
The species naturally has fat deposits in cheeks and brow. Captive frogs often become overweight from over-feeding.
How long do they live?
The typical lifespan of the White's Tree Frog is 15-20 years.
Can I handle them?
Briefly, with clean wet hands. Better as observation pets.
Are they good for kids?
Older children - for observation with rare gentle handling.
Test yourself: guess the amphibian
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our amphibians. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This rotund South American amphibian is named for a video-game character because its enormous gaping mouth spans nearly half its body.
It's the Pacman Frog (Horned Frog) - read the full profile →
Clue 2.A robust North American amphibian named for its bold striped or spotted markings, it spends much of its life hidden underground.
It's the Tiger Salamander - read the full profile →
Clue 3.When threatened, this small green amphibian arches its back to flash a vivid red-and-black warning pattern on its underside.
It's the Fire-Bellied Toad - read the full profile →