Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus) (origin: Southeastern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi) and adjacent northern Vietnam - evergreen montane forest, 830-1711 m). Adult size around 2.8–3.5 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Red-disked small treefrog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40×50 cm.
Red-disked small treefrog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–20 °C.
Red-disked small treefrog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Red-disked small treefrog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Red-disked small treefrog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °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
- 2.8–3.5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Southeastern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Fujian, Jiangxi) and adjacent northern Vietnam - evergreen montane forest, 830-1711 m
- 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
Small bark frog with orange-red adhesive discs on fingers and toes — hence the name. A montane species from south-east China: sustained temperatures above 25 °C are poorly tolerated, and cooling is needed in summer. Sits motionless on cork tubes above the water during the day. Rarely kept. On taxonomy: in 2022 the animals from the China–Vietnam border region were split off as a separate species (Theloderma hekouense) — what is traded as rhododiscus may well be that one.
Do you keep this species?
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Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus) currently offered
- Theloderma rhododiscus, Rotscheiben-Rindenfrosch – Reutlingen · 100 €
Related species
- Starry tree frog (Theloderma stellatum) – Intermediate
- Vietnamese mossy frog (Theloderma corticale) – Intermediate
- Hill garden bug-eyed frog (Theloderma asperum) – Beginner
- 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 Red-disked small treefrog (Theloderma rhododiscus) 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: 24 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Zoosystematics and Evolution 2022), exoticskeeper.com, ms-verlag.de, novataxa.blogspot.com
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).