Hourglass Tree Frog (Dendropsophus ebraccatus) Care Sheet

ReptileCommunity · November 29, 2025, 11:02pm

A complete guide for the successful keeping of this small, highly active, and delicate arboreal frog from Central America.

1. Overview & Commitment

Common Name: Hourglass Tree Frog, Clown Tree Frog (due to its patterning)
Scientific Name: Dendropsophus ebraccatus
Natural Habitat: Humid, mid-elevation lowland tropical forests and swamps across Central America (Honduras to Panama). They are strongly arboreal, found clinging to leaves and bromeliads.
Size: Small. Females reach 3 – 4 cm (1.2 – 1.6 inches); males are slightly smaller.
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years in captivity.
Temperament: Extremely active, agile, and nocturnal. They are very sensitive and should be treated strictly as display animals.

The Hourglass Tree Frog requires a vertical, high-humidity vivarium with dense climbing structure.

Minimum Enclosure Size (Small Group of 3-4): 45 x 45 x 60 cm (18 x 18 x 24 inches) is the minimum, focusing on height and complexity. Larger is always better.
Enclosure Type: Glass or PVC terrariums with minimal ventilation at the top (partially covered screen lid) to maintain high humidity.
Structure: Must be densely furnished with thin vines, twigs, small diameter branches, and robust, broad-leafed plants (e.g., Philodendrons, Pothos). They love to cling to the underside of leaves.
Social: They are a communal species and thrive in small groups.

A moisture-retaining substrate system is necessary to maintain high ambient humidity.

Layers: Mandatory drainage layer (hydroballs), thick soil/moss layer, and a generous layer of leaf litter to provide surface coverage and microfauna habitat.
Cleanup Crew: Springtails and small Isopods are essential for bioactive setups to manage mold and waste.

These frogs require a warm, stable tropical environment, but are highly sensitive to overheating.

Daytime Ambient Range: 24^C – 28^C 75^F– 82^F}.
Primary Heat Source: Low-wattage Deep Heat Projector (DHP) or a low-intensity lamp mounted above the enclosure, connected to a Thermostat.
Nighttime Drop: Temperatures should remain relatively stable, ideally not dropping below 22^C 72^F}.

Ambient Light: Full-spectrum LED grow light is necessary to support the health of the live plants within the vivarium.
UVB (Recommended): A low-level UVB source (e.g., a 5-6% T5 tube) is beneficial, helping to support bone density and immunity.
Photoperiod: Maintain a consistent 12 hour cycle.

Extreme, near-constant humidity is vital for these delicate frogs.

Ambient Humidity: Must be maintained between 75% and 100%.
Misting/Fogging: An automated misting or fogging system is highly recommended, delivering two to four brief misting periods daily. Use dechlorinated, RO, or distilled water.
Water Dish: A small, shallow dish of clean, dechlorinated water can be placed on the floor, though they primarily drink droplets.

Hourglass Tree Frogs are insectivores that require small, fast-moving prey.

Staple Diet: Drosophila hydei (larger fruit flies) are the staple.
Supplemental Feeders: Small pinhead crickets, small bean beetles, and springtails.
Feeder Size: Prey should be small enough to be consumed easily (no wider than the space between their eyes).
Feeding Schedule: Offer food daily or every other day.

Handling: Absolutely no direct handling. Their skin is exceptionally delicate and easily damaged or stressed. Treat them as a pure display species.
Vocalization: Males are very vocal, often making their characteristic, loud “click” call, especially during peak humidity (after misting) or at night.