# Australian green tree frog (*Ranoidea caerulea*)

The Australian green tree frog is a bright green frog that loves to climb trees and relax in the leaves. They are friendly and often found near water, making them fun to spot in nature!

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Wetlands
- **Also known as:** Litoria caerulea

![Australian green tree frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Green_Tree_Frog_%28Litoria_caerulea%29_%288692503598%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Matt from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Green_Tree_Frog_%28Litoria_caerulea%29_%288692503598%29.jpg)

## Appearance

The Australian green tree frog is typically a vibrant emerald green, sometimes olive or bluish, with a smooth, moist skin texture. It has large, golden eyes with horizontal pupils and a creamy white belly. Its distinct, unwebbed front toes and partially webbed hind feet are equipped with large, sticky toe pads.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Pelodryadidae
- **Genus:** Ranoidea

## Interesting facts

- An Australian green tree frog's skin produces a mild antiseptic compound for medicine!
- Sometimes called 'dump-site frogs' for living happily near human homes!
- Threatened frogs can let out a surprising, ear-splitting scream!
- Visible eardrums, called tympanums, are just behind their large golden eyes!

## Special abilities

- **Chameleon Skin:** Australian green tree frog can change its skin color from bright green to olive or brown because of special cells that help them blend perfectly into their surroundings.
- **Super Suction Toes:** Australian green tree frog has wide, sticky toe pads that help them climb effortlessly on smooth surfaces like leaves, branches, and even glass.
- **Water Whisperer Skin:** Australian green tree frog can absorb water directly through its skin, especially from dew or puddles, that helps them stay hydrated without needing to drink.
- **Survival Cocoon:** Australian green tree frog can create a special waterproof cocoon from its skin during dry periods that helps them survive without water for months.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 7-11 cm
- **Weight:** 0.05-0.1 kg
- **Lifespan:** 10-16 years
- **Clutch Size:** 200-2000
- **Metamorphosis:** 21-60 days

## Diet & Feeding

These frogs are expert hunters, primarily feasting on insects and other small creatures!

- **Age differences:** Tadpoles are herbivorous, feeding on algae and detritus; adults are carnivores.
- **Primary Foods:** moths, crickets, beetles, spiders, small lizards, smaller frogs
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Brown Tree Snake (*Boiga irregularis*) — A common predator of these frogs.
- **Eaten by:** [Laughing Kookaburra](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laughing-kookaburra) (*Dacelo novaeguineae*) — These birds can snatch frogs.
- **Hunts:** African Two-spotted Field Cricket (*Gryllus bimaculatus*) — A common insect hunted for food.

## Traits

- [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching frogs, as they can have sensitive skin.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Australian green tree frog?

Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Australian green tree frog?

7-11 cm

### How much does Australian green tree frog weigh?

0.05-0.1 kg

### How long does Australian green tree frog live?

10-16 years

### What does Australian green tree frog eat?

These frogs are expert hunters, primarily feasting on insects and other small creatures!

### Where is Australian green tree frog usually found?

Wetlands

### How does Australian green tree frog hunt?

Ambush

### How many eggs does Australian green tree frog lay?

200-2000

## More Amphibians

- [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*)
- [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*)
- [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*)
- [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*)

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Source: [Australian green tree frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/australian-green-tree-frog)
