Bird Poo Mossy Frog (Theloderma asperum)

Common Name: Mossy Frog
Scientific Name: Theloderma asperum
Source: WC
Adult Size: 4–6cm
Native Range: Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and surrounding regions

Enclosure: A minimum 40×40×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium for a single specimen or pair; a bioactive-style setup with a deep layer of moist substrate (such as coco fibre or tropical topsoil), live or artificial moss, cork bark hides, and plenty of climbing branches and foliage will keep these frogs active and comfortable
Heating: Ambient temperature of 22–26°C during the day, with a gentle drop to around 18–20°C at night; avoid temperatures above 28°C
Humidity: 80–100%; achieved through regular misting (at least once or twice daily), a humid substrate, and good ventilation to prevent stagnant conditions
UVB: A 2.4% UVB tube spanning the upper portion of the enclosure is recommended — while mossy frogs are primarily nocturnal (active at night), low-level UVB supports natural vitamin D3 synthesis and overall health
Diet: Small live invertebrates such as appropriately sized crickets, tropical woodlice, waxworms, and fruit flies (for juveniles); dust prey items with a calcium and vitamin supplement two to three times per week

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The mossy frog is a truly remarkable little amphibian from the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia, instantly recognisable for its extraordinary camouflage — its lumpy, mottled green and brown skin mimics clumps of moss almost perfectly, making it one of the most convincingly disguised frogs in the world. This natural disguise is where the playful "bird poo" nickname comes from, as certain colour variants can look uncannily like a splat of droppings when curled up on a leaf.

These frogs are best appreciated as a display animal rather than a hands-on pet — they are delicate and stress-prone when handled, but endlessly rewarding to observe in a well-planted vivarium where their camouflage instincts really come to life. They suit a keeper who enjoys building and maintaining a lush tropical setup and takes satisfaction in spotting a frog that has been hiding in plain sight all along.