European tree frog (Hyla arborea)

Short answers

European tree frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60 × 40 × 80 cm (tall) for a small group.

European tree frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, at night 15–18 °C.

European tree frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2.0–5.0, a diurnal sun-worshipper).

European tree frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

European tree frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–25 °C

Night temperature

15–18 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2.0–5.0, a diurnal sun-worshipper)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60 × 40 × 80 cm (tall) for a small group

Substrate

A planted tall enclosure, climbing branches, large-leaved plants, a shallow water basin

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, fruit flies, meadow sweepings, small moths

Feeding interval

2–3× a week

Key facts

Adult size

~3,5–5 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Central and southern Europe

Protection status

Strictly protected (EU Habitats Directive Annex IV, German nature conservation law); only captive-bred animals with proof of origin, plus registration or a permit

Brumation

A winter rest of 3–4 months at 5–8 °C (compulsory for health and breeding)

Cohabitation

Group. Only house animals of the same species and similar size together - smaller ones are otherwise treated as food. Provide enough hiding spots and leaves to sit on so every animal can retreat, and feed separately where there is a size difference. Males call to each other during the mating season without seriously fighting.

Notes

Strictly protected in Europe – legal captive-bred animals with proof of origin only. A winter rest is essential; crepuscular and nocturnal, but likes to bask during the day (UVB).

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) – Intermediate
• American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) – Beginner
• Red-eyed tree frog (Litoria chloris) – Intermediate
• Fringed leaf frog (Cruziohyla craspedopus) – Expert
• Splendid leaf frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer) – Expert
• Gliding leaf frog (Agalychnis spurrelli) – Intermediate
• White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) – Beginner
• Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep European tree frog (Hyla arborea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60 × 40 × 80 cm (tall) for a small group), substrate (A planted tall enclosure, climbing branches, large-leaved plants, a shallow water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.