Waxy Monkey Tree Frog Phyllomedusa Sauvagei Care Guide

Warziger Makifrosch / Waxy Monkey Tree Frog / Waxy Monkey Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagei / sauvagii )

Waxy Monkey Tree Frogs-Phyllomedusa sauvagei are represented by two groups of frogs.  One group is wild caught and another is captive bred and born.  We feel this is a frog species that will undoubtedly become one of the most widely kept species simply based on ease of husbandry. The defensive skin secretions of many amphibians contain a wide spectrum of biologically active compounds, particularly antimicrobial peptides that act as a first line of defence against bacterial infection. Here we describe for the first time the identification of three novel dermaseptin-related peptides (dermaseptins sVI–sVIII) whose primary structures were deduced from cDNAs cloned from a library constructed from lyophilised skin secretion of the South American hylid frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei. The molecular masses of each were subsequently confirmed by interrogation of archived LC/MS files of fractionated skin secretion followed by automated Edman degradation sequencing. The heterogeneity of primary structures encountered in amphibian skin antimicrobial peptides may inpart be explained by individual variation a factor essential for selective functional molecular evolution and perhaps, ultimately in speciation.

Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

Life span: About 10 years
General appearance: Green with shinny wax like skin.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure: Aquarium of 20 gallons or larger or similar enclosure. Enclosure top should be screen to allow for plenty of ventilation. A small water bowl and some branches to climb on are about all that is needed.

Temperature: The waxy monkey frog requires high temperatures. Temperature for these frogs should be in the mid 90º range during the day and mid 80º range at night. .
Heat/Light: A basking area with a temp of 95º F or higher is required and using a full spectrum UVB bulb is recommended by some.
Substrate: News paper or paper towels works best for this species. Potting soil, peat moss can be used but care must be taken to avoid damp conditions. Avoid using small bark and gravel due to danger of ingestion.

Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

Environment: The waxy monkey frog is a low humidity high temperature frog found in almost dessert conditions for much of the year.
Diet: Insectivores - crickets, cockroaches, locusts, moths and beetles are all eaten. Dust crickets with calcium and vitamins three times a week.
Maintenance: Clean the enclosure weekly. Remove dead insects and clean water bowl several times a week or as needed, but no less than weekly. You may wash with a mild bleach solution (5%) or liquid soap and thoroughly rinse. Regular hanging should be avoided. Hands most be washed and rinsed prior to touching the frog and should remain wet.

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