Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

Looks how to spot one

Skin

The skin is rough, leathery and firm rather than slimy, with a waxy appearance. The back is a bright leaf-green or dull pale olive green, the belly is cream or white, and the flanks have black-and-white vertical stripes. The eyes are large and golden with vertically elliptical pupils.32

Personality what they are like

Waxy monkey tree frogs are calm, deliberate and docile. They move slowly and purposefully, climbing hand over hand rather than leaping, which makes them less startling than many other tree frogs. They tolerate gentle handling but can become stressed if handled too often. Most of the enjoyment comes from watching their evening routines and their unique wiping behaviour.16

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal to crepuscular. They become active around dusk and through the night. During the day they rest tucked into foliage in the upper part of the enclosure. They do not need a large space to exercise but do need vertical climbing areas.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The frog secretes a waxy lipid coating that it spreads over its skin using its front and hind feet. This coating prevents water loss and protects against infections. Keepers should wash hands thoroughly after handling because the skin secretions can be irritating. The enclosure should be misted daily with fresh water to provide hydration.21

Home where they are happiest

A tall terrarium of at least 20 gallons (75 litres) for one or a small group. Humidity should be kept at 40 to 60%, which is lower than for most tree frogs. UVB lighting is essential for calcium metabolism. Daytime temperatures should be warm, with a basking spot. The enclosure should have plenty of branches and foliage for climbing and hiding. A water bowl can be provided.51

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. The staple diet is gut-loaded crickets, with variety from roaches, locusts, mealworms, waxworms and calciworms. Prey must be no larger than the width of the frog's head between the eyes. Feeding should take place around dusk.417

Company who they like around

They can be kept individually or in small groups of 2 to 8 animals. Group living encourages natural behaviours and may stimulate breeding. They are not aggressive toward each other. Handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid stress.26

The story where it all began

The waxy monkey tree frog was first scientifically described by the Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1882. It has been captive bred in the USA and Europe for more than 25 years. Its calm nature, moderate size and relatively simple care requirements have made it a popular display animal among amphibian keepers. The name 'Phyllomedusa' comes from Greek words meaning 'guardian of the leaf', referring to the female's habit of laying eggs on leaves over water and folding them for protection.2

Recognised by the official bits

First scientifically classified by George Albert Boulenger

Described in his Catalogue of the Batrachia Salientia s. Ecaudata, published in 1882.2