Malayan Leaf Frog (Megophrys nasuta)

Common Name: Malayan Horned Frog / Long-nosed Horned Frog
Scientific Name: Megophrys nasuta
Source: WC

Adult Size: Typically around 8–13 cm snout-to-vent length

Native Range: Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Borneo

Enclosure: Terrestrial rainforest terrarium; minimum around 60 × 45 × 45 cm with deep leaf litter, soft substrate and dense cover

Heating: Ambient 22–26 °C; no dedicated basking spot required; night drop around 20–22 °C

Humidity: 70–90 % with regular misting and good airflow

UVB: low-level UVB

Diet: Carnivorous; insects such as crickets, roaches and worms offered 3 times a week

Water: Shallow water dish available at all times; enclosure kept consistently moist but not waterlogged

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

Megophrys nasuta is a distinctive rainforest frog known for its dramatic camouflage and unusual head shape. The species has elongated “horns” above the eyes and a pointed snout, giving it a leaf-like profile that helps it blend almost perfectly into forest floor debris. Its colouration typically ranges from brown to tan with darker markings that mimic dead leaves.

Native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, the Malayan Horned Frog spends most of its time partially buried in leaf litter or loose soil, waiting motionless for prey to approach. When an insect or other small animal moves within range, it lunges forward rapidly to capture it.

This ambush lifestyle means the species relies heavily on camouflage rather than movement for survival. In captivity it benefits from a naturalistic setup with deep leaf litter, shaded areas and minimal disturbance, closely replicating the damp forest floor conditions it occupies in the wild.