Peron's Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is a large, adaptable and extremely characterful tree frog from eastern and south-eastern Australia. It is best known for two things: a loud, maniacal cackling call that has earned it the nickname the Laughing Tree Frog, and a remarkable ability to rapidly change its skin pattern from plain to heavily speckled and back again. Adults reach around 5 to 7 cm. Hardy and tolerant of a wide temperature range, it suits a range of keeper experience levels. With proper care they can live 10 to 15 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 planted vivarium suits this climbing species. A minimum of around 45 x 45 x 60 cm suits 2 to 3 adults. Provide branches, foliage, hides, and a shallow dechlorinated water dish with easy access and exit. Browse our terrarium range.
Temperature and Humidity
- Daytime temperature: 18 to 28°C (very adaptable range)
- Night: allow to drop naturally. Not suited to sustained temperatures below about 10°C.
- Humidity: 50 to 70%
This is one of the most temperature-tolerant of Australia's native tree frogs. No supplementary heating is typically needed in Queensland. Mist daily. 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. Offer varied live insects: crickets, woodies, moths. Gut-load before use and dust with calcium and multivitamin at every second feeding.
- Juveniles: daily.
- Adults: 2 to 3 times per week.
Browse our live feeders.
Handling
Handle only when necessary with clean, wet, powder-free hands or gloves. Keep sessions brief.
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 | 5 to 7 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Temperature | 18 to 28°C (very adaptable) |
| Humidity | 50 to 70% |
| UVB | 2.0 only, 10 to 12 hrs/day |
| Water | Dechlorinated only |
| Feeding (adult) | 2 to 3 times per week |
Shop
- Terrariums and Reptile Supplies
- Low-level UVB Lighting
- Substrate and Plants
- Water Conditioner
- 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 Peron's Tree Frogs.
