Cute green tree frogs make wonderful island pets

Green tree frogs are a medium-size frog whose body colors range from a yellowish-olive to lime green. You can hear them most easily around Boca Grande during mating season from March through October. Their colors change depending on light and temperature. These frogs have a smooth silky skin with large toe pads and pale yellow stomachs. The weather influences breeding, which most often takes place when it is raining.

They have a knack at getting inside homes as well. They appear as though they are stuck to the spot they are resting on with their suction cup feet.

They like to sit in shrubs near water. During the day tree frogs stay in the shade resting under leaves in their preferred moist shady areas.

This species of frog tends to walk versus jump. They leap from tree branch to tree branch when chased by a predator. using their green coloration as camouflage against snakes, lizards and birds. They jump at the slightest sign of danger and are more active and vocal at night— especially after or during a rain shower.

Green tree frogs have a very distinctive sound. Imagine hearing a cow bell ringing from a distance. If several tree frogs together are making “rain calls” the noise they can make will surely get your attention.

The green tree frog is a popular pet. My nephews have had several.

They feed on insects mostly such as moths, flies and crickets. Just the other evening I spotted one at my home eating a small worm.

Their care needs are simple. They do not live in the water but they do need to be near water so some sort of misting is needed in their enclosure and something they can climb on inside their cage. Driftwood, branches and sticks work great.

Laying a piece of Astroturf down on the floor of their enclosure helps them feel secure as well. False plants inside help them find an area to hide behind when they might be feeling nervous.

Some sort of constant lighting for heat is needed as well. Place a rock above the heat source and it will absorb warmth and provide a great resting spot for the frog.

Tree frogs can be seen around all Gasparilla Island yards. Evenings are better for spotting them along walkways and shrubs. They do not seem too alarmed when we walk past them as they sit as if frozen. This is a way they avoid predators.