Waxy Monkey Tree Frogs: Care, Housing, Feeding and Where to Buy Captive Bred Frogs

An Introduction to the Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

The waxy monkey tree frog, with the scientific name Phyllomedusa bicolor, is a fascinating amphibian that is growing in popularity in the exotic pet trade. These unique frogs have some very interesting features that make them stand out from other pet frogs.

Appearance and Size

Waxy monkey tree frogs get their name from their unique appearance. Their skin has a waxy, almost polished look to it. They have a very distinct white stripe that runs from their eyes along their lips. Their eyes are also bright orange or red. Their coloring can range from green, to tan or brown.

These frogs are on the larger size compared to other tree frogs. Adults can reach sizes of 3-5 inches in length from snout to vent. Their slender bodies and long legs give them an elegant posture and stance.

Native Habitat

Waxy monkey tree frogs are native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. They are found in parts of Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Their natural habitat is up in the rainforest canopy. They live high up in the trees, rarely coming down to the forest floor.

Unique Adaptations

Life high up in the treetops requires some special adaptations for survival. Waxy monkey tree frogs have large toe pads that help them grip onto branches and leaves up in the canopy. They also have a reduced webbing between their toes compared to other tree frogs. This gives them a better grip. Their slender bodies allow them to maneuver easily through dense foliage.

These frogs are also able to leap and glide down from the canopy to avoid predators. Their aerodynamic bodies and ability to spread their limbs out allow them to parachute down gracefully and safely.

Diet in the Wild

In the wild, waxy monkey tree frogs eat a variety of invertebrates that live in the rainforest canopy. This includes insects like crickets, moths, flies and grasshoppers. They will also eat spiders and other small arthropods.

These frogs are ambush predators. They sit perfectly camouflaged on branches and leaves, waiting patiently for prey to pass by. When an insect comes along, they strike out with their long, sticky tongue to capture them.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

During the rainy season, male waxy monkey tree frogs will start calling to attract females. The males make bird-like chirping sounds. Receptive females will approach calling males and select a mate.

The female then deposits her eggs on leaves or branches overhanging pools of water. This allows the tadpoles to drop into the water below once they hatch. The male will often remain nearby and may even guard the eggs until they hatch.

The eggs hatch into tadpoles which live entirely in the water. Within a couple months the tadpoles will metamorphose into tiny tree frogs. The juvenile frogs will then climb up into the safety of the rainforest canopy.

Waxy Monkey Tree Frogs as Pets

In recent years, waxy monkey tree frogs have become more popular as exotic pets. Their unique appearance and interesting behaviors make them fascinating captives to keep.

Housing

These frogs need an arboreal type setup with plenty of space to climb and perch up high. An Exo Terra or ZooMed terrarium that is at least 18x18x24 inches works well. Provide several branches, hanging plants and cork tubes for ample climbing and hiding opportunities.

Good ventilation is important. The cage should have a screen top to allow air flow. The tank should be misted at least once a day to maintain humidity, but also have adequate airflow to prevent stagnation.

Temperature and Lighting

Waxy monkey tree frogs do best at temperatures between 70-80 F during the day, and 65-75 F at night. Providing a good heat gradient in the tank allows frogs to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas as needed.

Use an incandescent or ceramic heat emitter to maintain ambient heat during the day. At night, most homes are cool enough for frogs as long as the room doesn't get below 65 F. Daytime UVB lighting is beneficial but not an absolute requirement.

Feeding

In captivity, waxy monkey tree frogs will readily eat crickets, mealworms, silkworms, roaches and other feeder insects. It is important to properly gutload feeder insects by feeding them nutritious foods like greens, fruits and commercial gutloading formulas.

Use vitamin and calcium supplements on insects to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Feed frogs every 2-3 days, providing prey items that are no bigger than the space between their eyes. Be sure to remove any uneaten prey items within a few hours.

Handling

Waxy monkey tree frogs have delicate skin. Limit handling to instances where it is absolutely necessary, such as moving the frog when cleaning its enclosure. Always moisten your hands with water or frog-safe sanitizer before and after handling.

Never grab a tree frog tightly in your fist. Support larger frogs by placing hands beneath the frog's belly like a cradle. For smaller frogs, you can gently scoop beneath them with your palm and fingers.

Purchasing Captive Bred Waxy Monkey Tree Frogs

With the growing popularity of waxy monkey tree frogs, demand has increased for captive bred specimens. Purchasing captive bred animals helps promote responsible breeding programs and reduces wild population exploitation.

How to Find Reputable Breeders

A great place to start your search is by looking at breeder directories through amphibian organizations like The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). Their website has a searchable database of breeders around the world.

Reptile expos are also an excellent place to find frog breeders. Expos allow you to meet and talk with breeders in person to ask questions and evaluate frogs.

Online forums like Caudata.org have classifieds sections where reputable breeders often post ads for various amphibians including waxy monkey tree frogs.

Questions to Ask

When inquiring with a breeder, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. A responsible, ethical breeder will be happy to provide information about their frogs' origins, health, genetics and breeding conditions.

Ask if the breeder's facility has been inspected by USDA, and if their frogs are captive bred or wild caught. Request information on the frog's age, sex, feeding regimen, supplements used, and previous housing conditions.

You can also ask if any health or genetic testing has been done on the parents or offspring. Top breeders will have vet performed fecals to look for parasites, and will test for deadly amphibian diseases like chytrid fungus.

What to Look for in a Healthy Frog

When evaluating frogs in person or through photos, look for animals that appear robust and active with proper body weight. Eyes should be clear, bright and alert. The skin should be smooth with no lesions, swelling or discoloration.

Healthy tree frogs will eagerly stalk and eat properly sized food items. Watch for normal climbing ability with no falling or stumbling which could indicate health issues affecting muscles or coordination.

Only purchase captive bred frogs from reputable breeders. With good care, waxy monkey tree frogs can live 5-10 years in captivity, letting you enjoy these amazing rainforest natives as pets.

FAQs

How big do waxy monkey tree frogs get?

Waxy monkey tree frogs are one of the larger tree frog species. Adults reach sizes of 3-5 inches in length from snout to vent. Their slender build and long legs make them appear even larger.

What is the lifespan of a waxy monkey tree frog?

In the wild, these frogs may live for several years. When kept as pets, their average lifespan is 5-10 years with proper care and husbandry. Captive longevity depends on factors like genetics, nutrition, environment and veterinary care.

Do waxy monkey tree frogs make good beginner pets?

Waxy monkey tree frogs can make good pets for responsible first-time frog owners. They are relatively hardy compared to other exotic frogs. However, their specialized care requirements still demand some experience. These frogs are better suited for intermediate to advanced amphibian keepers.

Can you handle a waxy monkey tree frog?

It's best to avoid excessive handling of waxy monkey tree frogs. Their skin is delicate and permeable. Handle frogs only when necessary, using moistened hands. Always support their underside and never grab tightly. Limit handling to reduce stress on the frog.

What temperature do waxy monkey tree frogs need?

Ideal temperatures for waxy monkey tree frogs range from around 70-80°F during the day, and 65-75°F at night. Maintain ambient heat in the enclosure using lighting or undertank heat pads. Don't let temperatures drop below 65°F. Provide a thermal gradient so frogs can thermoregulate.