Javan Flying Frog Care Sheet
Introduction
The Javan Flying Frog (Rhacophorus margaritifer) is a discreet arboreal species endemic to Java, Indonesia and is rarely found in captivity. These frogs are famous for their extensive webbing, which allows them to glide between trees in their rain forest habitat. They are a rewarding species to keep for the more advanced amphibian keeper, provided their specific environmental and dietary needs are met.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each frog will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most amphibians change their behaviour according to seasonal weather changes even if you keep them indoors all year round. Most amphibians also change their behaviour according to their life stages and should not be expected to behave the same their whole life.
We keep Javan flying frogs in stock at our Toronto store and ship across Canada.
Cheat Sheet
Javan Flying Frog
| Common name | Javan Flying Frog |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rhacophorus margaritifer |
| Natural location | Montane and lowland forests of Java and Sumatra |
| Habitat (wild) | Dense tropical rain forest |
| Captive enclosure | 12x12x18" for juveniles, 18x18x24" for adults |
| Substrate | Bioactive Blends, Cypress Mulch, Loose Bark, Coco Husk, Soil Blends |
| Temperature tolerance | Nighttime: 68-72°F (20-22°C), Cooler: 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Basking temperature | 80-85°F (27-30°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Not required but can be beneficial in small amounts. |
| Humidity | Approx. 60-80% |
| Average adult size | 3-4 inches |
| Captive lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Fun fact | They use their webbed feet to leap breathtakingly between surfaces |
Housing
Enclosure: Javan Flying Frogs are arboreal (tree-dwelling), it is best to provide them ample vertical climbing space. Juveniles can be raised in a 12x12x18" terrarium while an 18x18x24" is recommended for one to two frogs, but larger enclosures are always beneficial. The enclosure should have a secure mesh top for ventilation while retaining humidity. A live bioactive terrarium is best for this species but you can also use artificial plants, branches, cork bark, and vines to create climbing opportunities and a naturalistic environment. These frogs love to perch on strong steady leaves.
Substrate: A bioactive substrate mixture is best for this species such as the ZM Tropical Bioblend or you can make your own using a mixture of moisture retaining substrates such as cypress mulch, peat moss, repti soil, moss, carbon, gravel, coconut fibre, and loose leaves. We highly advise against using only coconut fibre even though this is commonly offered in commercial ready starter kits.
Heating & Temperature: Javan Flying Frogs do best in moderately heated terrariums. They thrive at temperatures between 75-85°F (24-30°C) during the day, with a slight drop to 68-75°F (20-24°C) at night. A low-wattage heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter, or radiant heat can help maintain the proper temperature. Ensure that a thermometer is used to monitor temperature accurately.
Hide spots: Providing multiple hiding spots, such as cork bark, hollow logs, and dense foliage, helps frogs feel secure. Vertical climbing branches and live or artificial plants mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviours.
Humidity: Humidity levels should be maintained between 60-80%. Regular misting with water will help achieve this, but avoid making the enclosure too damp, as excessive moisture can lead to the spread of bacteria. A hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity levels as humidity levels are crucial to the health of this species.
Diet
Feeding: Javan Flying Frogs are insectivores, with a diet consisting mainly of crickets, roaches, mealworms, and occasional waxworms, hornworms, or nightcrawlers. We find that they are most attracted to feed that move a lot in front of them. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2-3 days.
Supplementation: Offer lightly dusted crickets once per week with calcium or multi vitamin. Be careful not to over supplement with vitamin D3.
Water: All tree frogs absorb water through their skin. For this reason, they do best by taking water through misting directly on them and around their environments. A shallow water dish with dechlorinated water should also be available as frogs will sometimes dip parts of their bodies into the water to absorb it when they need to. The dish should be cleaned and refilled daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: It is absolutely crucial to keep amphibian terrariums clean as they are very sensitive creatures. Routinely clean your enclosure to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Spot clean daily by removing waste and uneaten food. A deeper clean of the enclosure should be done every few weeks, ensuring that any substrate, decorations, and water dishes are properly sanitized. You can minimize the cleaning needed by creating a live bioactive habitat which will heavily aid in natural breakdowns of waste that gets cycled through the presence of live plants and beneficial lifeforms in the soil. If done correctly, substrate changes are not necessary for many years at a time. If not using a bioactive habitat, then we recommend a full substrate change at least once per season, 4 times a year. Wood and plant décor can be washed monthly with hot water and dish soap and put back into place. Regularly check for signs of mold in humid enclosures.
Handling: Javan Flying Frogs are delicate and should only be handled when necessary. Their skin absorbs substances easily, so hands should be washed and dampened before handling to prevent irritation. This species is best kept for the enjoyment of observation and terrarium building rather than any handling. If necessary, wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Javan Flying Frogs are nocturnal and most active during the evening and night. They use their extensive webbing to glide short distances between branches. Males produce vocal calls, especially during the breeding season. They can change colour slightly depending on temperature, mood, and stress levels. These frogs do well in groups, but care should be taken to ensure all individuals receive adequate food and space.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your amphibian collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
Can Javan flying frogs actually fly?
They glide rather than fly. Extensive webbing between the toes acts as a parachute, letting them cover short distances between branches. In an enclosure you will see them leap between surfaces rather than glide any real distance.
Are Javan flying frogs good for beginners?
No. This sheet recommends them for the more advanced amphibian keeper. They are rarely found in captivity and have specific environmental and dietary needs that have to be met consistently.
What size enclosure does a Javan flying frog need?
12x12x18 inches for juveniles, 18x18x24 inches for one or two adults, larger if you can. They are arboreal, so vertical space and climbing routes matter more than floor area. A secure mesh top gives ventilation without losing humidity.
Can Javan flying frogs be kept in groups?
They do well in groups. The thing to watch is that every individual gets enough food and space, since a confident feeder can leave a quieter one short.
What do Javan flying frogs eat?
Crickets, roaches and mealworms as staples, with waxworms, hornworms or nightcrawlers occasionally. They respond to feeders that move a lot in front of them. Juveniles daily, adults every 2 to 3 days, with crickets lightly dusted once a week. Go easy on vitamin D3.
Can you handle a Javan flying frog?
Only when necessary. Their skin absorbs substances easily, so handling risks irritating them. If you have to, wash and dampen your hands first. This is a species for watching and for building a good terrarium around, not for holding.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Javan flying frogs in stock now
We carry Javan flying frogs, along with the bioactive substrate, enclosures, misting gear and climbing decor covered in this guide, at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
