What is Happening to My Treefrogs??? They Are Changing Colors!

Question: I recently acquired four Squirrel Treefrogs. When I got them they were all bright green and beautiful to watch climbing around on the rocks in their terrarium. Now, they have all turned various shades of brown. Is this a disease? What is happening to them?

Answer: Fear not. This is not a disease or even a bad thing. Squirrel Treefrogs are very much like the anoles (American Chameleon) in that they can change colors. Many other species of frogs are also able to do this. Your Squirrel Treefrogs can easily change from green to brown and be solid colored or spotted in either color phase. Many of the field guides for reptiles and amphibians in the United States show two “color phases”of this species. It has been found that this is not true as any individual can show either color at any given time. It does help in identification however with both colors shown.

Contrary to popular belief, the color changes are not necessarily due to trying to blend in to the frog’s surroundings although it probably does help some in nature. Like the anoles, this ability has been tied to mood, comfort, time of day and the presence of other tankmates. A tank with no plants or few hiding places will often result in a brown color. While ill heath may or may not be a factor, stress caused by too many treefrogs for the space available or other incompatible tankmates will often cause a perpetual brown coloration. Cold temperatures and low humidity can also be a factor.

So, what can you do to attain a better ratio between the two color phases? Start with the habitat. Eco Earth or Frog Moss may be used as substrate to keep humidity up and stable. A light misting each day will also help. Temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s will help bring out the colors. A good dual thermometer/humidity gauge can help you keep these two items in check. Plants are important and should be arranged to provide a vertical aspect to the terrarium. Either live or artificial plants may be used, but, we find that artificial plants are easier to keep clean and to rearrange in the tank. Lighting will also help. While amphibians generally do not need UVB light like many reptiles do, a good UVA light such as the Naturesun series will help to bring out the best colors in your pets as well as support interesting natural behaviors.

It is also important not to overcrowd your tank. A 10 gallon aquarium with a good screen top will accommodate up to 4 adult treefrogs providing that there are adequate hiding places available for each. Small snakes should never be mixed with frogs and small lizards may be kept with them as long as they do not threaten the frogs or think of them as food. The anoles and small geckos such as House Geckos or small species of Day Geckos are good companions for your tree frogs as are Long-tailed Grass Skinks. Make sure that the requirements for your other inhabitants are the same as the treefrogs to reduce stress on all of them. You may check this out on our Reptile Care Chart.

We have a couple of Canyon Treefrogs in a tank in our home. When they sit on the driftwood near the water container on the bottom of the tank they are the color of an old cinder block, gray with small black specks throughout. While moving up through the plants hunting crickets or small moths near the top of the tank they evolve into a beautiful frog with nice shades of tans, yellows and dark browns.

Color change in treefrogs is normal. With the correct setup you can enjoy your pets in their various attire.