Classification
Order: anura
Family: hylidae
Genus: phrynohyas
Species: phrynohyas venulosa
Habitat
This species is native to Central America: it can be found in Mexico, along both coasts in Nicaragua and in lowlands of Panama. In South America this species is common along the Amazon to the south – in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. These frogs can also be found in Trinidad and Tobago. They live up to 800 m above the sea level.
Outward appearance
Adult veined tree frogs reach the length of 10-11 cm.
These frogs have unusual coloration. The back is creamy white or yellowish with numerous dark stripes that make a pattern. Some areas are covered with multiple dark spots. There are several scarlet spots on the frog’s neck and back. The eyes are big, with black round pupils surrounded by thin golden frame. The toes are not webbed, but have small round suckers.
Character
It is a nocturnal species. At night veined tree frogs leave their shelters and roam through thick vegetation and along tree stems in search for food. At daytime the frogs hide in tree hollows. During the wet season they live in temporary water bodies or near them.
Maintenance care
Veined tree frogs should be kept in vertical tanks. It is strongly recommended to place in the tank several logs and real or artificial plants for the amphibians to climb. Despite the fact that the frogs are excellent climbers, they can spend a lot of time on the ground too. It is best to put on the bottom of the tank a plastic or a rubber mat that is easy to wash. Also you should put in the tank one or several water bowls with some stones inside, so that the frogs can climb ashore easily. You will have to mist the tank regularly. At daytime frogs need soft diffused light. During the breeding season some amount of UV light is necessary. The ambient temperature should be around 26 - 28 degrees at daytime and 25 – 26 degrees at night.
Feeding
Young and adult frogs eat various insects, pinky mice or smaller amphibians. Young frogs need mineral supplements and vitamins for normal development.
Tadpoles eat commercial fish food, boiled lettuce or spinach, grated carrot, daphnia, bloodworm etc.
Diseases
European toads are hardy amphibians that very rarely get ill. Under proper care they live a long healthy life – up to 16 years.
Breeding
These frogs come together to breed in puddles and flooded areas after heavy rain. The males float in the shallow waters and call out to the females. The sound of males calling together sounds like a herd of cows mooing. Females lay egg clutches in shallow water and tadpoles hatch after only 1 day. The tadpoles then take a further 5 – 7 weeks to develop into the adult form.
