Quick Facts
Common Name: American Green Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla cinerea
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Adult Size: 1.5–2.5 inches
Temperament: Skittish but peaceful
Origin: Southeastern United States
Tank Level: Arboreal
Natural Habitat
These frogs are native to marshes, swamps, and forest edges of the southeastern U.S. They’re arboreal and thrive in humid, heavily planted environments with vertical climbing space.
Enclosure Setup
American Green Tree Frogs do best in vertical terrariums designed for arboreal species.
Minimum Tank Size: 12x12x18″ for a pair
Tank Type: Vertical glass terrarium
Substrate: ABG mix, topped with sphagnum moss and leaf litter
Decor: Cork bark, driftwood, vines, live plants, vertical climbing structures
Ventilation: Front-opening with mesh top recommended
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature Range: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
Night Drop: Down to 65°F is safe
Humidity: 50–70% (spike to 80% with misting)
Misting: 1–2x daily (manual or automatic)
Lighting
UVB: Not strictly required but beneficial
Recommended: Low-intensity UVB like 5.0 or LED combo with full spectrum
Photoperiod: 12 hours of light per day
Diet & Feeding
Diet: Insectivores — feed a variety
Crickets (gut-loaded)
Flightless fruit flies
Dubia roaches (small)
Black soldier fly larvae
Feeding Schedule:
Juveniles: Daily
Adults: Every other day
Supplements:
Calcium with D3: 2x/week
Calcium without D3: 1x/week
Multivitamin: 1x/week
Behavior & Temperament
These frogs are more “display pets” — they’re active at night and hide during the day. They’re shy and shouldn’t be handled often due to sensitive skin.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Spot clean daily
Mist daily or automate
Full substrate change every 1–2 months
Clean decor monthly
Common Health Concerns
Red leg syndrome
Parasites from wild-caught insects
Dehydration if humidity drops too low
Nutritional deficiencies (fixed with proper supplements)
Breeding Info
Breeding is triggered by warm temperatures, increased humidity, and rain simulation. Males call loudly at night during mating season. Eggs are laid on plant leaves or in water.
Fun Facts
Males have a loud, sharp “quonk” call
They’re the state amphibian of Georgia and Louisiana
Can change shade slightly depending on mood and environment
🛠 Hunter’s Picks: Supplies for American Green Tree Frogs
Here’s my go-to setup and gear for a healthy, thriving tree frog tank:
Reptizoo Front-Opening Glass Terrarium – 12x12x18″, ideal for a pair
LECA Balls for Drainage Layer – Needed for bioactive setups
Window Screen – Separates LECA from substrate
ABG Mix Terrarium Soil – Perfect for live plants
Premium Sphagnum Moss – Holds moisture
Leaf Litter Pack – Aesthetic and microfauna cover
Cork Bark Hides – Naturalistic climbing space
