# Splendid Tree Frog (*Pelodryas splendida*) The Splendid Tree Frog is a colorful little frog that loves to climb trees. It has bright green skin with beautiful blue and yellow spots, making it look like a tiny jewel in the forest! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Splendid Tree Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Australia_green_tree_frog_%28Litoria_caerulea%29_crop.jpg&width=800) Photo: LiquidGhoul, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australia_green_tree_frog_%28Litoria_caerulea%29_crop.jpg) ## Appearance The Splendid Tree Frog is a large, stocky amphibian, vivid yellow to lime green, adorned with prominent white or yellow spots. Its inner thighs and groin are a dazzling purple-blue, while its skin has a waxy, 'melted' appearance. This striking coloration helps it stand out. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Pelodryadidae - **Genus:** Ranoidea ## Interesting facts - Its scientific name, Pelodryas splendida, means "splendid mud nymph"! - Its tadpoles are herbivores, munching on algae and plant bits in ponds! - This frog can go without water for over a week, amazing for an amphibian! - This frog can squirt a sticky, bitter liquid from its skin to deter predators! ## Special abilities - **Waxy Skin Shield:** Splendid Tree Frog has a special waxy skin coating that helps them lock in moisture and survive in dry environments. - **Sticky Toe Pads:** Splendid Tree Frog can climb smooth surfaces because of large, sticky toe pads that help them grip almost anything. - **Ambush Master:** Splendid Tree Frog can wait patiently for prey using its camouflage that helps them blend perfectly into their surroundings. - **Protective Goo:** Splendid Tree Frog can produce a gooey secretion that helps them deter predators with a bitter taste. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 7-10 cm - **Weight:** 0.05-0.09 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 7.2 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 700-2000 - **Metamorphosis:** 42-56 days ## Diet & Feeding This frog is a nighttime hunter, munching on insects, spiders, and other small creepy crawlies! - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adult frogs are carnivores. - **Primary Foods:** Crickets, Moths, Beetles, Spiders, Slugs - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Mulga Snake (*Pseudechis australis*) — A common predator in its Australian habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Laughing Kookaburra](https://www.snappit.app/explore/laughing-kookaburra) (*Dacelo novaeguineae*) — Hunts frogs and other small animals. - **Hunts:** [House Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-cricket) (*Acheta domesticus*) — A common insect prey for this nocturnal frog. - **Hunts:** Golden Orb-weaver (*Nephila pilipes*) — Frequently preys on this and other large spiders. - **Shelter:** [River Red Gum](https://www.snappit.app/explore/river-red-gum) (*Eucalyptus camaldulensis*) — Uses tree hollows and branches for refuge and hunting. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [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. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## 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 Splendid 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 Splendid Tree Frog? 7-10 cm ### How much does Splendid Tree Frog weigh? 0.05-0.09 kg ### How long does Splendid Tree Frog live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Splendid Tree Frog move? 7.2 km/h ### What does Splendid Tree Frog eat? This frog is a nighttime hunter, munching on insects, spiders, and other small creepy crawlies! ### Where is Splendid Tree Frog usually found? Forests ### How does Splendid Tree Frog hunt? Ambush ## 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*) --- Source: [Splendid Tree Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/splendid-tree-frog)