Common Name: Java Whipping Frog, Common Tree Frog, Golden Tree Frog, Four Lined Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog, White Lipped Tree Frog, Common Indian Whipping Frog
Scientific Name: Polypedates leucomystax
Family: Rhacophoridae – Asian Tree Frog family
Location: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
Introduced Locations: Japan and Thailand
Female Size: 2.24 – 3.14 inches (57 – 80 mm)
Male Size: 1.45 – 1.97 inches (37 – 50 mm)
The Java Whipping Frog gets its name from its fascinating and unique reproduction process. During the reproduction process, the male and female frog skillfully whip up a foam nest, creating a protective environment in which to lay her eggs. This nest provides moisture for the developing eggs to prevent them from drying out. Typically, she lays between 100 to 400 eggs, carefully positioned either on vegetation or rocks that overhang the pools. Once the tadpoles hatch from the eggs, they instinctively fall into the pool below, where they will continue their life cycle.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Java Whipping Frog as Least Concern for Extinction, indicating that this species is currently stable in its population. Found in various habitats throughout Southeast Asia, including marshes, swamps, and tropical forests, this frog is not only diverse in its living conditions but also adapts well to urban environments.
The Java Whipping Frog is relatively common in the pet trade, appreciated for its unique appearance and engaging behavior. Care for the frog is pretty standard for any tree frog species, which generally includes maintaining an appropriate habitat with humidity and temperature control, as well as providing a varied diet of insects. This frog is hardy and can adapt well to various conditions, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced reptile enthusiasts. If you are thinking of buying one as a pet, make sure to read my article Preparing for a Pet Frog or Toad, where I cover valuable information so you are prepared to buy a frog. I even own two of them myself.
The species is actually thought to be multiple cryptic species.