White’s Dumpy Tree Frog Care Guide

Species Info: White’s tree frogs, also known as dumpy frogs, are a species native to Australia and New Guinea, and recently introduced to New Zealand. Despite their appearance they are actually nocturnal, hiding out inside moist hollow logs or similar structures during the day and coming out at night to hunt. Dumpy’s tend to be very charismatic eaters, latching onto larger prey with their sticky finger pads and shoving it into their mouth to feed.  

Level of Care/Handling: Easy-medium. Dumpy frogs are easier to care for than many other amphibians, especially due to their higher tolerance for low humidity (i.e. forgetting to mist the enclosure). They also fair slightly better with handling than other amphibians, but still should not be done more than 2-3 times per week. Before handling, either put on gloves moistened with treated water or thoroughly wash your hands before and after.

Size/Lifespan: Dumpy frogs generally reach lengths of 3.5-4.5 in. (snout to vent), with females getting slightly larger. There is no concrete way to sex dumpy frogs until they reach maturity, at which male will develop dark “nuptial pads” on their thumbs and begin to vocalize at night. These frogs show variable life spans in captivity, but most commonly live between 7-10 years.

Temperature/Lighting/Space Requirements: Temperatures should stay in the mid-high 70’s but occasional spikes into the low-mid 80’s are okay. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 60’s without issue.  Being nocturnal, dumpy frogs do not require any supplemental lighting, and anything besides a fluorescent grow light would make humidity more difficult to maintain. Heating is best done by a thermostat-controlled heat mat placed on one side of the tank. One frog can be kept comfortably in a 12x12x18 tank but any more will require something larger. Any frogs kept together should also be similarly sized to avoid any risk of cannibalism.     

Water/Humidity Requirements: A water bowl large enough to bathe in should be used and cleaned often, as dumpy frogs tend to make a habit out of relieving themselves in it.  Humidity can stay around 50-55% and spike to around 75% (when cage is sprayed) once or twice a day.                                      

Tank Substrate: Substrate should be one that holds humidity well, such as Eco Earth or organic topsoil.

Tank Decoration: Dumpy frogs do well in a heavily decorated enclosure. Any reptile-safe items are okay, but we find that long pieces of cork bark and live/fake plants are most appreciated by the frogs. If using live plants, make sure that they can handle your frogs throwing their weight around.

Diet: Dumpy frogs are strict insectivores and do well with a varied diet. Good staples include crickets, dubia roaches (0.25-0.5 in. for froglets, 0.75-1 in. for adults) and nightcrawlers. Occasional treats include hornworms, waxworms, and butterworms. Insects should be dusted with calcium and multivitamins before feeding.

Feeding Frequency: Froglets should be fed 3-4 appropriately sized items (or nightcrawler equivalent every other day. Adults can get the same 2-3 times a week.

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