Trachycephalus resinifictrix

Species Overview

Amazon Milk Frogs are arboreal hylids native to the humid lowland rainforests of the Amazon Basin. Their distinctive pale-blue feet and brown-and-cream banding make them striking display animals, while a waxy skin secretion (once thought to resemble milk) helps reduce water loss. Captive-bred individuals are hardy, reasonably docile, and tolerant of small groups when space is adequate.

• Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Adult Size: 3–4 in (7.5–10 cm)

• Average Lifespan: 8–15 years in captivity

• Activity Pattern: Nocturnal

• Temperament: Calm; handle sparingly

Enclosure Setup

Amazon Milk Frogs thrive in tall, well-ventilated enclosures that maintain high humidity but allow ample airflow. A bioactive, plant-dense environment supports natural behaviors and simplifies maintenance.

• Minimum Size: 18 × 18 × 24 in front-opening terrarium for 2 adults

• Substrate: Moisture-retentive base such as coconut fiber blended with sphagnum moss or a full ABG mix over LECA drainage

• Structural Elements:

  • Resin or cork branchwork for vertical climbing

  • Large leaf plants (pothos, philodendron, bromeliads) for cover and perching

  • Horizontal cork tubes near the canopy as daytime retreats

• Water Source: Wide, shallow dish of dechlorinated water; change daily

Environmental Parameters

• Day Temperature: 74–80 °F (23–27 °C)

• Night Temperature: 68–75 °F (20–24 °C)

• Humidity: 70–90 %; automated or twice-daily misting recommended

• Lighting: Low-level UVB (5.0 T5) plus full-spectrum LED for a 12-h photoperiod

Diet and Feeding

Opportunistic insectivores that benefit from dietary variety and regular supplementation.

• Staple Prey: Gut-loaded crickets and dubia roaches

• Additional Items: Black soldier fly larvae, small silkworms, occasional waxworms as treats

• Feeding Frequency: Juveniles daily; adults every 2–3 days

• Supplements: Calcium + D3 twice weekly; multivitamin once weekly

Maintenance and Hygiene

• Daily: Remove uneaten prey and waste; refresh water dish

• Weekly: Wipe glass and rinse foliage to prevent bacterial film

• Monthly: Refresh substrate layer or service bioactive cleanup crew

• Water Quality: Always use dechlorinated or spring water

Behavior and Handling

Primarily canopy dwellers; they spend daylight hours tucked into foliage or cork retreats and become active at dusk. Handle only when necessary, with clean, wet hands or nitrile gloves to protect their sensitive skin.

Breeding Information

Sexually mature at 12–18 months. Breeding is triggered by increased rainfall simulation and a slight temperature drop. Females deposit egg masses on vegetation over water; tadpoles fall into the pool below and require warm, well-filtered water and high-quality micro diets.

Health Considerations

• Chytridiomycosis: Prevent with strict quarantine and stable humidity

• Bacterial dermatitis: Maintain clean, well-ventilated habitat

• Nutritional deficits: Adhere to supplementation schedule

Seek an experienced exotic veterinarian for any signs of lethargy, skin lesions, or inappetence.

Recommended Supplies

• Vertical glass terrarium (18 × 18 × 24 in or larger)

• Digital thermometer / hygrometer combo

• Coconut fiber–sphagnum or ABG substrate over LECA drainage

• Live rainforest plants and cork décor

• Shallow water bowl (dechlorinated water)

• Low-level UVB fixture + LED plant light

• Calcium with D3 and multivitamin powder

• Pressurized misting system or hand sprayer

Hunter’s Tip

Anchor pothos cuttings high in the enclosure; trailing vines create natural hunting platforms and boost humidity without blocking ventilation.

Fun Facts

• Their “milk” secretion is actually a mild toxin that deters predators and reduces desiccation.

• Amazon Milk Frogs vocalize with a distinctive chuckling call during the rainy season.

• Toe pads contain ultra-fine keratin layers that let them cling securely even to wet glass.

Hunter’s Picks

MistKing Misting System — Precise automated misting keeps humidity in the optimal 70–90 % range.

Reptizoo Mister (Budget) — Cost-effective humidity control for smaller setups.

Repti Calcium with D3 — Critical for preventing metabolic bone disease in fast-growing juveniles.

Reptizoo Hygrometer & Thermometer — Real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity.

Coconut Soil & Sphagnum Moss — Ideal substrate blend for moisture retention and bioactivity.

Reptizoo Front-Opening Terrarium — Secure, spacious vertical enclosure designed for arboreal species.

LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) — Ideal for drainage layers in amphibian and reptile terrariums to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root systems in live plants.

Cork Bark — Naturalistic climbing and hiding spots for frogs, reptiles, and other terrarium inhabitants. Durable and easy to clean.

Live Plants from Josh’s Frogs (10 Gallon Size) — High-quality live plants selected for terrarium environments, enhancing natural aesthetics and air quality.

Water Conditioner — Removes harmful chemicals and chlorine from tap water, making it safe for amphibians and reptiles. Essential for water dish and misting water prep.

Window Screen — Durable mesh material used to cover drainage layers and prevent substrate mixing, also suitable for terrarium ventilation.

Reptizoo LED UVB Light — Suitable UVB lighting designed specifically for amphibians; provides necessary UV exposure without overheating the enclosure.

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