Wow! This is such an incredible species of Phyllomedusa! After a year of working with a group of captive bred Brazilian P. burmeisteri, we are happy to offer our own captive bred P. burmeisteri, well established and ready for the trip from our house to yours. To our knowledge, these are the first ever bred in the USA and super rare to have them available here!

This is an amazing species of phyllomedusa! Our new favorite actually! If you are interested in Monkey frogs, this is a must!

 These are juvenile sized and VERY well established. 

Care Guide for the Brazilian Walking Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa burmeisteri)

The Brazilian Walking Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa burmeisteri) is a fascinating arboreal species native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly in regions of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. These frogs are known for their impressive leaf-like appearance and unique behaviors. While they can be relatively easy to care for, they do have specific needs that must be met to thrive in captivity. This care guide will provide you with the essential information to ensure your Brazilian Walking Leaf Frog lives a healthy and happy life.

1. Enclosure

Size:

• Minimum size: 20 gallons for a single frog; larger if you are keeping more than one.
• Recommended size: 30 to 40 gallons for a pair or small group. These frogs are arboreal and will need vertical space to climb.

Type of enclosure:

• A tall terrarium or exotic display tank is ideal to accommodate their climbing needs. A glass terrarium with a secure mesh lid will provide good ventilation.
• Consider tanks with front-opening doors for easy access.

Substrate:

• Paper towel, changed daily, is how we do it with large numbers of froglets.
• Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mix of both works well for creating a humid, absorbent layer.
• Avoid gravel or sand, as these can cause impaction if the frog accidentally ingests them.
• Provide a shallow water dish for soaking, but ensure it’s not too deep as the frogs can drown if they get stuck.

Climbing structures:

• Brazilian Walking Leaf Frogs are arboreal and need vertical space to climb. Include branches, vines, and leaves (real or artificial) to mimic their natural habitat.
• Plants, either real or fake, are great for providing shelter, shade, and a natural look. Plants like pothos, fern, and bromeliads are excellent choices.

2. Temperature and Humidity

Temperature:

• Daytime temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
• Nighttime temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Use a heat lamp or a ceramic heat emitter to maintain warmth, but avoid direct contact with the frog.

Humidity:

• High humidity is essential—aim for 60-80% humidity.
• Mist the enclosure regularly, particularly in the morning and evening, to maintain proper humidity. Ensure good ventilation to avoid mold buildup.
• You can also use a humidifier or drip system to help maintain humidity levels.

3. Lighting

• Brazilian Walking Leaf Frogs require moderate light levels. A full-spectrum UVB light is recommended but not essential. If using UVB, a 5.0 or 10.0 UVB bulb should be used in a 12-hour on/12-hour off cycle.
• UVB light helps frogs produce vitamin D3, essential for calcium metabolism and overall health.
• If you don’t provide UVB, ensure they have a varied diet with calcium supplementation.

4. Diet and Feeding

Diet:

• These frogs are insectivorous, primarily feeding on small insects in the wild.
• Offer a variety of prey including crickets and roaches.

Supplementation:

• Dust insects with a calcium supplement (without D3) 2-3 times per week.
• Use a vitamin supplement with D3 once a week to ensure they’re getting the necessary nutrients.
• Consider gut-loading feeder insects (feeding them nutritious foods like vegetables) to increase the nutritional value of the prey items.

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed juveniles and adults 3-4 times per week.
• Younger frogs will need slightly smaller prey and more frequent feedings, while adults can be fed less often.

5. Behavior and Temperament

• The Brazilian Walking Leaf Frog is generally peaceful and not aggressive. They are most active at night (nocturnal), especially during the evening and night.
• These frogs are arboreal and prefer to remain high in the enclosure. When they are not active, they often stay hidden in foliage, mimicking leaves.
• They have a slow, deliberate movement, often resembling the movements of a leaf swaying in the wind, hence the name "Walking Leaf Frog."

6. Handling

• Brazilian Walking Leaf Frogs are delicate and should be handled minimally, as their skin can absorb oils, dirt, and chemicals from human hands, which may harm them.
• If you must handle your frog, ensure your hands are clean and moisten them before handling. Avoid holding the frog for extended periods—short, gentle interactions are best.
• Wear gloves when handling if at all possible.

7. Breeding

• Breeding Brazilian Walking Leaf Frogs can be challenging in captivity and typically requires a specialized setup that mimics their natural rainy-season conditions.
• You will need to replicate seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall to trigger breeding behavior.
• During mating, females may lay eggs, wrapped in the leaves of branches overhanging water. Eggs hatch into tadpoles that will eventually transition into juvenile frogs. Raising tadpoles can be complex, as they require a well-maintained aquatic environment until they metamorphose.

8. Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD):

• This is often a result of poor calcium supplementation and lack of UVB exposure.
• Symptoms include lethargy, deformities, or difficulty moving.
• Ensure proper lighting and calcium supplementation to prevent MBD.

Skin Issues:

• The skin of Brazilian Walking Leaf Frogs is highly sensitive. Fungal infections and skin lesions can occur if humidity levels are not properly maintained or if the frog is handled improperly.
• Keep the enclosure clean and maintain high humidity to prevent skin problems.

Parasites:

• Frogs can sometimes develop internal parasites. Ensure a clean environment and feed properly gut-loaded prey to minimize this risk.
• If your frog shows signs of lethargy, lack of appetite, or abnormal stool, consult a veterinarian experienced with amphibians.

9. General Tips

• Maintain a clean environment by spot cleaning waste daily and performing a full cleaning of the enclosure (substrate, water dish, decorations) once a month.
• Quarantine new frogs before introducing them to your main tank to prevent potential disease transmission.
• Monitor humidity regularly using a hygrometer and maintain temperature with a thermometer to ensure the frog's environment is stable.

By following these care guidelines, you can ensure your Brazilian Walking Leaf Frog enjoys a healthy and enriched life in captivity. With proper care, these fascinating amphibians can live up to 10-15 years in captivity, providing you with years of enjoyment and admiration for their unique leaf-like appearance and behavior.

At Gecko Daddy we have a strong belief that as pet owners, we have the responsibility to care for our pets.

Pet Owner’s Oath
When I purchase an animal, I become responsible for its care. I am responsible to learn how to properly provide for its needs: its habitat, its diet, and its health. My animal wants to live and I want it to live. I will do all in my power to ensure that my animal has a long, healthy, and happy life. I am ready for this responsibility.