All About Full Grown Waxy Monkey Frog

The waxy monkey frog is a unique amphibian known for its smooth and wax-like skin. As they reach full maturity, these frogs undergo fascinating changes.

This article will explore everything you need to know about fully grown waxy monkey frogs, including their appearance, personality, care requirements, and suitability as pets.

About the Waxy Monkey Frog

The waxy monkey frog, scientifically known as Phyllomedusa sauvagii, is a tree frog found in tropical forests of South America.

They earn their common name from the combination of their smooth skin, which resembles wax, and their habit of perching on tree branches high above the forest floor.

Waxy monkey frogs are arboreal, meaning they spend their entire lives in trees and foliage.

Size at Full Growth

• Length: Fully grown waxy monkey frogs reach 2.5-3.5 inches (6.5-9 cm) in length.
• Height: Their height at full size is around 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm).

Weight at Full Growth

On average, an adult waxy monkey frog will weigh between 0.5-1 ounce (15-30 grams). Males tend to be slightly smaller than females.

Appearance at Full Growth

At maturity, waxy monkey frogs have a distinct appearance that aids camouflage in their natural habitat:

• Smooth, waxy skin that is olive, brown or green in color with irregular darker blotches.
• Bulging eyes with vertical pupils that provide excellent vision.
• Long, powerful legs and toes suited for climbing and grasping branches.
• Laterally compressed body for squeezing into narrow spaces.

Personality at Full Growth

As adult frogs, waxy monkey frogs take on personalities befitting their arboreal lifestyle:

• Typically solitary with only occasional interactions during breeding seasons.
• Timid and wary of any disturbances in their territory.
• Actively avoids ground level areas, preferring the security of high tree branches.
• Has excellent camouflaging skills to avoid predation.

Price of a Fully Grown Frog

Mature waxy monkey frogs command higher prices than juveniles due to their established care history and rarity in the exotic pet trade. Expect to pay $150-300 for an adult depending on sex, unique coloration or other attributes.

Feeding a Fully Grown Frog

The nutritional needs of adult waxy monkey frogs are:

• Insectivorous diet consisting of wingless fruit flies, small crickets or roaches 2-3 times per week.
• Calcium supplement should be offered regularly to support bone and organ health.
• A varied diet will keep frogs healthy and colorful into old age.
• Misting water and leaves ensures proper hydration.

Lifespan of a Fully Grown Frog

With ideal care, waxy monkey frogs have a lifespan potential of 8-12 years in captivity. Genetics and environment also impact longevity.

Health of a Fully Grown Frog

Key health factors for adult frogs include:

• Body condition - frogs should maintain appropriate weight and muscle tone.
• Skin and eyes - watch for injuries, lesions, discoloration or cloudiness.
• Behavior - frogs should be active, respond to stimuli and breed as usual.
• Hydration - frogs easily dehydrate and need constant access to water.

Caring for a Fully Grown Frog

Maintaining appropriate husbandry for adult waxy monkey frogs includes:

• Large vertical enclosure simulating natural tree habitat. Minimum 18x18x24 inches.
• Branches, vines, foliage for climbing and coverage from lights/viewers.
• Maintain temperature of 75-80°F during the day, 5-10° cooler at night.
• High humidity between 70-90% kept with misting system or drained substrate.
• Screened or mesh lid to allow air flow while containing frogs.

Nutritional Needs of a Fully Grown Frog

Specific nutritional requirements for mature waxy monkey frogs include:

• Calcium with D3 supplement should be available at all times.
• Multivitamin powder can be dusted on feeder insects 2-3 times a week.
• Access to clean, dechlorinated water for drinking and hydration.
• Breeder's Fry Diet can provide complete nutrition when dusted on feeders.

Potential Behavior Changes at Maturity

As waxy monkey frogs reach sexual maturity, some shifts in temperament may occur:

• Increased territorial behavior, especially during breeding seasons.
• Males may become aggressive if housed together year-round.
• Calls and courtship displays arise when frogs are ready to breed.
• Females enter a gravid state after mating, gaining weight with developing eggs.

Notable Characteristics of Fully Grown Frogs

Traits that set adult waxy monkey frogs apart include:

• Very large, bulging eyes with vertically elliptical pupils.
• Distinctive facial masks forming irregular shapes and patterns.
• Capable of changing colors or patterns for camouflage or signaling.
• Sexual dimorphism is apparent with females larger than males.
• Males develop nuptial pads on thumbs for amplexus (frog hug).

Cost of Keeping a Fully Grown Frog

Expect to budget around $500-$1000 initially for a quality enclosure, lighting, heating, branches and supplies. Annual costs run $200-300 for quality diet, supplements and upgrades.

Suitability as a Pet

While beautiful, waxy monkey frogs have specific requirements making them challenging pets:

• Need advanced vertical habitat mimicking natural arboreal environment.
• Require high humidity, heat and attention to temperature gradients.
• Can be shy and reclusive, especially fully mature specimens.
• Captive breeding is difficult, limiting availability of pets.
• High risk of stress, health issues if humidity, temperature fluctuate.

Therefore, waxy monkey frogs are best suited for experienced herpetoculture hobbyists capable of replicating their native habitat.