*This is an on going work in progress*
I have a number of pictures I would like to include, plus quite a bit of information I have yet to get compiled, Such as but not limited to their range of vocalizations, feeding behaviors, and territorial displays.But I figured I would throw my name into the hat anyways..
Phyllomedusa bicolor (Boddaert, 1772)
Common Name
The Giant Monkey frog, and a few other variations including: Giant waxy monkey frog, Giant waxy monkey tree frog, Bicolored monkey frog, and Giant leaf frog.
Photos ©Zach Turner
Introduction
The largest member of Phyllomedusa is the giant monkey frog, P. bicolor. This species is arboreal and nocturnal. They have a rather robust appearance, with muscular limbs and a broad head. The males are generally smaller than the females growing to around 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) in length, while females can reach 4.7 inches (11.9 cm). Their dorsum is green and their belly varies from white to yellow-white or cream. There are sparce white spots with dark frames on the lower lips, chest, and front legs, and these become even more dense on the flanks and hind legs. Fingers are transparent brown with large adhesive discs. their iris is dark gray, and a prominent gland extends from behind the eye over the tympanum.
The giant monkey frog is widespread throughout the Amazon basin, where it spends most of its time high up in the rain forest canopy.
While little information exists to determine an accurate lifespan for wild Giant monkey frogs, They can often live 10+ years in captivity
When provided with a large enclosure and properly acclimated to captivity Giant monkey frogs make good captives, but are not an easy species to accommodate or maintain because of their large size.
Range and ecology
Phyllomedusa bicolor is found in the Amazon basin in Vaenezuela (Amazonas and Bolivar states), Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Guianas. It can also be found in the Cerrado habitat of Manhoa state, Brazil.
The distribution of the species encompasses several protected areas, and there are very few threats through its wide range, though it is impacted locally by severe habitat loss such as clear-cutting. There is currently an increased interest in the toxic compounds in the skin of this frog (which is used for hunting practices for several tribes of Amazonia). Its waxy secretion may have medicinal uses against AIDS, cancer and other diseases. While some of the components isolated from Its waxy secretion have been patented, none of those patents have led to successful products yet. These frogs are currently jeopardized by biopiracy for medicinal use.
Courtship and Breeding
In the wild, males descend from high in the trees and try to attract females with their powerful calls, then with a female they construct nests 1- 3 m above forest ponds. Reproduction occurs throughout the year in ponds both near to, and far from, streams, with a peak in reproduction from November to May (rainy season). The females deposit around 600 unpigmented eggs in a gelatinous mass in leaf nests hanging over ponds. The leaves are joined or folded with the aid of the male. After 8-10 days, the tadpoles hatch and fall into the water, where they complete development until metamorphosis.
Selecting an animal
When selecting an animal, purchase one born in captivity over those that are wild-caught. Captive-bred frogs are generally healthier, less stressed, and easier to care for initially. Unfortunately, captive-bred giant monkey frogs are rarely ever available, and it may be necessary to purchase wild-caught adults. Wild-caught males are much more common than females in the pet trade. Males are usually captured while descending to lower levels to breed during the rainy season. Only occasionally are females caught along side the males. When selecting a wild-caught frog inspect it well for health problems. Do not purchase frogs that have a patchy coloration (their dorsal side should be uniformly green), and pass up any frog that displays unusual behavior, such as sleeping on the ground. Also avoid frogs with open wounds, such as severe rostral abrasions, as well as any other unusual bumps, soars, or rubs. Bacterial infections and internal parasites are common problems associated with wild-caught frogs that may need the attention of a trained veterinarian.
Captive Care
A tall terrarium is required. This is important because your goal is not to adapt Your Giant Monkey frog to a cage, but rather to select or build your enclosure to meet the specific needs of your frog.
Small enclosures are the bane of this beautiful arboreal frog. I have witnessed many captive Phyllomedusa bicolor with permanent damage due to rostral scarring (nose rub) from being confined in an enclosure thats far too small for its captive care needs.
P.bicolor is a large arboreal frog that spends most of its time high in the rainforest Canopy and their enclosures should reflect this as much as possible.
60 x 45 x 90 cm / 24” x 18” x 36” (WxDxH)minimum Terrarium space is required per 1-2 adult frogs. Large Chameleon reptariums are good for these animals as well, giving the extra advantage of additional air circulation which is beneficial for these Arboreal Frogs. Bigger is Better. Use as large of an enclosure as you have room for and can afford.
A number of robust branches should be offered along the full height of the enclosure, as both horizontal perches and vertical climbing areas.
Lighting
The top portion of the enclosure should be screen or wire mesh (not Glass). UVB is essential for the growth of these frogs. For Adult frogs you can use up to 5% UVB bulbs.
12/12 = 12 hours of daylight, followed by 12 hours of darkness.
Temperatures
The ideal temperature is 77°F (25°C) during the day and 70°F (21°C) at night. P. bicolor's Waxy secrection locks in its body moisture allowing this animal to bask openly in the daytime sun while it sleeps. A 84°F (29°C) basking area should be offered during the day; however the high temperature isnt as critical as having a proper gradient. A suitable daytime enclosure range is 75 to 82°F (24 to 27°C) with ample perching areas between.
DO NOT use hot rocks, heating pads, or Heat tapes with arboreal frogs.
Watering and Humidity
Live Plants and earth substrates are the best way to maintian a proper and consitant humidity. These should be watered each day to provide a moderate, but not high, humidity. An ideal relative humidity range for a giant monkey frog is 50-75 percent. During the mating cycle this can be increased to 65-90 percent humidity for a short time. During this period special care must be taken to allow the enclosure to dry out completely between mistings. This is vitally important in order to minimize any possibility of fungal and bacterial contamination to substrate materials, branches and/or the animal itself.
P.Bicolors should always have a fairly large but shallow container of Clean drinking water available to them. This not only needs to be large enough to drink from, but also for all of your inhabatants to comfortably Soak in. This container should be removable. Your Frogs will readily drink, soak, and defecate in the water; making it vital you remove and clean this container daily.
Feeding
In the wild Giant waxy monkey frogs eat a multitude of flying and crawling insects. In captivity they can be fed a diet that consists largely of crickets and small to medium roaches.
Pinky mice and wax worms are too high in fat and should not be offered as food.
Food items Should be dusted with high quality reptile vitamin and mineral supplements.
It's best to feed at night when these Frogs are active and on the hunt.
Conclusion
Phyllomedusa bicolor is one of the most gorgeous and impressive Frogs around. Their sheer size and Beauty make for an impressive display in anyone's collection. Captive care is a continuous learning process. We do not know everything. I hope you found this care sheet helpful and informative and welcome feedback from anyone wiling to share their experiences. If for any reason you feel something in the care sheet is inaccurate, please let Me know!
Referances
Claudia Azevedo-Ramos, Enrique La Marca 2008. Phyllomedusa bicolor. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 15 May 2011.