The Dainty Tree Frog (Litoria gracilenta) is a small, slender and beautifully coloured tree frog from the rainforests and wet forests of eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Green above with vivid yellow highlights on the thighs, it is a charming and active display species. Adults reach around 3.5 to 4.5 cm. Due to their small size and delicate nature they are best handled as little as possible and are primarily a display animal. With proper care they can live 5 to 10 years.
In Queensland a licence is required to keep native frogs. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide.
Two Rules for All Frog Keeping
Always use dechlorinated water. Only use 2.0 UVB at most. Both apply to every native frog without exception.
Enclosure
A tall, well-planted vivarium suits this climbing species. A minimum of around 45 x 30 x 45 cm suits a small group of 3 to 4. Include fine branches and broad-leaved foliage, a moisture-retaining substrate, and a very shallow water dish with an easy-access ramp or slope. The dish must not be deep enough to allow small individuals to get stuck. Browse our terrarium range.
Temperature and Humidity
- Daytime temperature: 22 to 28°C
- Night: allow to drop, not below about 18°C
- Humidity: 65 to 80% (rainforest species needing higher humidity than Green Tree Frogs)
Mist once or twice daily. Allow partial drying between sessions. Browse our heating and thermostat range.
UVB Lighting
A 2.0 UVB tube on a 10 to 12 hour cycle. Browse our UVB lighting range.
Feeding
Insectivores. Due to their small size, prey must be appropriately small. Offer small crickets, small woodies, flies, and moths. Gut-load before use and dust with calcium and multivitamin at every second feeding.
- Juveniles: daily, very small insects.
- Adults: 2 to 3 times per week. Avoid prey items that approach or exceed the width of the frog's head.
Browse our live feeders.
Handling
Minimal handling only. Handle with clean, wet, powder-free hands when handling is unavoidable. These are delicate animals and unnecessary handling causes stress.
Biosecurity
Never release captive frogs or their enclosure water into the environment. Quarantine new arrivals away from existing collections.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5 to 4.5 cm |
| Lifespan | 5 to 10 years |
| Temperature | 22 to 28°C |
| Night minimum | 18°C |
| Humidity | 65 to 80% |
| UVB | 2.0 only, 10 to 12 hrs/day |
| Water | Dechlorinated only, very shallow |
| Handling | Minimal, display species |
Shop
- Terrariums and Reptile Supplies
- Low-level UVB Lighting
- Substrate and Plants
- Water Conditioner
- Heating (if needed)
- Live Feeders
- Calcium and Supplements
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. A Queensland wildlife keeper's licence is required to purchase and keep Dainty Tree Frogs.
