For school, I emailed the Library of Congress a question about tree frogs and light. I'd gotten tired of not having specific answers and wondered if there was some new research on the subject. (And I wanted someone better at research than me to dig it up.)
I got back a lot of leads. I still haven't dived into them, but I'm pasting them here for now. I also got three photocopied pages attached, but they told me what I already knew: UVB might possibly help frog's bones, but nobody's sure.
Also, I found Reptiles Magazine mentioned a study on Milky Tree Frogs and UVB that said it helped their bones but no sources were given. Help?
Here's what I got in case anyone has access to a library. I want to come back to this and comment after I go through a few sources:
Question History:
Patron: To Science/Technology:
Do nocturnal pet tree frogs need UV light, either A or B? Is it beneficial or harmful?
For information on caring for a pet frog, we suggest that you consult a veterinarian or a herpetologist in your area. Below is a list of resources that you may find useful in researching the effect of UV light on tree frogs. For your information, we have also attached PDF photocopies of some pages from a few books that may be of interest. Your local reference librarian can assist you in obtaining the materials that you need and may suggest other resources.
Sincerely,
Reference & Research Specialist
Science Reference Section
Science, Technology and Business Division
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540-4750
[dpd]
Resources:
Library of Congress Online Catalog https://catalog.loc.gov/
Keywords: Frogs as pets; Amphibians as pets; Amphibians; Frogs; Anura; Hylidae; Treefrogs
Databases:
Agricola https://agricola.nal.usda.gov/
Biological & Agricultural Index Plus
BIOSIS Citation Index
MEDLINE (PubMed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/)
ProQuest SciTech Premium Collection
Wildlife & Ecology Studies Worldwide
Zoological Record
Examples of Citations:
Alderton, David. The exotic pet survival manual. Hauppauge, N.Y., Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 1997. 160 p.
ISBN: 0812097971
Bartlett, Patricia, Billy Griswold, and R. D. Bartlett. Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates: an identification and care guide. 2nd ed. Hauppauge, N.Y., Barron's; Enfield, Publishers Group UK, distributor, 2010. 280 p.
ISBN: 9780764143564
Bartlett, Richard D., and Patricia Bartlett. Frogs, toads, and treefrogs: everything about selection, care, nutrition, breeding, and behavior. Hauppauge, N.Y., Barron's, c2007. 95 p.
ISBN: 9780764136726
Blaustein, Andrew R., and Lisa K. Belden. Amphibian defenses against ultraviolet-B radiation. Evolution & development, v. 5, Jan./Feb. 2003: 89-97.
https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Documents/R2ES/LitCited/4TX_Sal/Blaustein_and_Belden_2003_uv_and_amphibians_review .pdf
Edmonds, Devin. Frogs and toads. Neptune City, N.J., T.F.H. Publications, c2011. 159 p.
ISBN: 9780793828623
Edmonds, Devin. Tree frogs. Neptune City, N.J., T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 2007. 128 p.
ISBN: 9780793828944
Ferrie, Gina M., and others. Nutrition and health in amphibian husbandry. Zoo biology, v. 33, Nov./Dec. 2014: 485-501.
See especially: Achieving ecologically appropriate environmental parameters: light
Author manuscript available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4685711/
Grenard, Steve. Frogs and toads. 2nd ed. Hoboken, N.J., Howell Book House, c2008. 128 p.
ISBN: 9780470165102
The Herpetocultural library. Lakeside, Calif., Advanced Vivarium Systems, c1990-c2010.
See especially: [7] Care and breeding of popular tree frogs; [36] General care and maintenance of White's tree frogs and white-lipped tree frogs.
Purser, Philip. Quick & easy green treefrog care. Neptune City, N.J., TFH Publications, c2005. 64 p.
ISBN: 0793810248
Walls, Jerry G. The guide to owning American treefrogs. Neptune City, N.J., T.F.H., 2000. 64 p.
ISBN: 0793820715