Hill garden bug-eyed frog (Theloderma asperum)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Hill garden bug-eyed frog (Theloderma asperum) (origin: South-East Asia). Adult size around 2,5–3,5 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Hill garden bug-eyed frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40×50 cm.
Hill garden bug-eyed frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.
Hill garden bug-eyed frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Hill garden bug-eyed frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Hill garden bug-eyed frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×40×50 cm
- Substrate
- Moss, coco humus, cork tubes, a water section
Feeding
- Food
- Small house crickets, fruit flies, springtails
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 2,5–3,5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- South-East Asia
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Group (5–10 animals). Raise juveniles separately from adults. Not because they would be eaten — these animals are far too small for that — but because the larger ones get to the food first and the smaller ones fall behind. Provide enough hiding places so that every animal can retreat, and feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
The smallest and most robust bush frog – it looks like bird droppings, a perfect camouflage. It often breeds by itself in an aquaterrarium. A good way into the genus.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Starry tree frog (Theloderma stellatum) – Intermediate
- Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus) – Intermediate
- Vietnamese mossy frog (Theloderma corticale) – Intermediate
- Bicoloured bug-eyed frog (Theloderma bicolor) – Intermediate
- File-eared tree frog (Polypedates otilophus) – Intermediate
- Chinese gliding frog (Zhangixalus dennysi) – Intermediate
- Common tree frog (Polypedates leucomystax) – Beginner
- Reinwardt's flying frog (Rhacophorus reinwardtii) – Intermediate to expert
What you need to start
To keep Hill garden bug-eyed frog (Theloderma asperum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×50 cm), substrate (Moss, coco humus, cork tubes, a water section), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Theloderma/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theloderma_asperum, https://reptilesmagazine.com/care-and-breeding-the-vietnamese-mossy-frog/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).