Australian Cerulean Tree Frog: Here Are Its Characteristics
The Australian cerulean tree frog has very high adherence fingertips, which even allow it to climb on window panes.
Let’s discover the characteristics of the Australian cerulean tree frog.
Characteristics of the Australian cerulean tree frog
The tree frog is an anuran amphibian, that is, unlike other amphibians such as the salamander, it has no tail. It lives in humid environments and its color varies according to the humidity present in the air: it can vary from brown to deep green.
This frog lives in Australia and has been introduced to parts of Asia and the United States. It is the largest frog in its natural habitat, and can reach 10 centimeters in length.
It is usually green in color and may have small light spots on the back. The belly and the inside of the legs are white.
The legs of the Australian cerulean tree frog are special: on the tip of each finger there is a fingertip that allows it to climb trees or walls. The ability to adhere to surfaces is such that it can even go up on the window panes.
Like many amphibians, this frog has nocturnal habits: it rests during the day and begins its activity when the evening falls. During the day he goes in search of dark and humid places to sleep; when the temperature is cooler it starts singing and comes out of the den to hunt.
Feeding the Australian cerulean tree frog
The Australian cerulean tree frog feeds mainly on insects and spiders, but if it feels the need it can hunt other small prey, such as other frogs.
It loves cool and humid environments where it easily finds mosquitoes and other insects.
To hunt small prey it uses its tongue, stretching it and thus trapping the animals. When the prey is too big, it introduces it directly into the mouth. Not having suitable teeth for this purpose, he can use his front legs to insert the animal into his mouth and then ingest it.
It is common to find these frogs in the windows of houses, in water ponds and in rain drains. They love humid environments and prefer to stay a few meters from the ground, where it tends to be less hot, thus taking refuge in the upper parts of the houses.
Habitat of the Australian cerulean tree frog
Originally the habitat of the tree frog was extended over the entire north-east of the island, but over time it was also introduced in other territories. Today it can also be found in the islands north of Australia and in the United States, where it was introduced as a pet.
In nature, it inhabits trees that grow in wetlands, near lakes or rivers. It can also be found in swamps or in prairies without trees, but always near aquatic ecosystems.
They are docile animals that do not fear humans, in fact they can also live near fountains or water sources in urban areas.
Due to their beauty and docility, this species has been adopted as a pet in and out of Australia. In captivity it can live up to 16 years, a very long period for an amphibian. Its diet is very varied and does not need great care.
Conservation of the Australian cerulean tree frog
The Australian cerulean tree frog has been cataloged as an endangered species. Unlike other animals on the list, it is not the destruction of its habitat or the presence of large predators that endanger this species (snakes and eagles).
Threatening the tree frog is a particular fungus that attacks its skin. Being very delicate, if it is not very wet it risks contracting some diseases. This frog is capable of segregating an antiseptic substance that destroys all fungi, except the Batrachochytrium chytride.
This disease has drastically reduced the population of this and other amphibians in Australia, and treatment is now being sought.
The danger of extinction is not imminent for this species, but for other similar amphibians but with a shorter life expectancy.
The Australian cerulean tree frog has a funny and caricatured appearance: it is round, deep green and has sticky fingertips on its fingers.
It is a docile animal that can sneak into the house in search of insects and spiders to eat, and it is easy to find it inside ponds or fountains.
