Powdered Glass Frog Care

Powdered Glass Frogs

(Teratohyla pulverata)

The Powdered Glass Frog is a delicate, nocturnal amphibian native to the humid tropical rainforests of Central and South America, ranging from Honduras through Ecuador. This species is named for its translucent skin, through which internal organs are faintly visible — a fascinating adaptation that helps with camouflage among wet leaves. Adults reach around 1.2–1.5 inches in length and spend most of their lives in vegetation above slow-moving streams. Their quiet, soft calls and stunning appearance make them a prized species for advanced amphibian keepers.

Lifespan:

8–12 years in captivity with excellent care and stable environmental conditions.

Sexing:

• Males are typically smaller with darker throats and call during breeding season,

• females are larger with smoother underbellies. Visual sexing is best performed once they reach maturity.

Enclosure:

• Juveniles: 12” x 12” x 18” terrarium (or similar).

• Adults: 18” x 18” x 24” vertically oriented terrarium for a pair or small group.
  Provide live plants, cork bark, and branches for climbing. A shallow water feature or small, slow-flowing stream setup is ideal to replicate their natural environment.

Substrate:

• ABG mix (or similar) layered with leaf litter and sphagnum moss

• Well-draining with a false bottom to prevent standing water

• Maintains high humidity without being soggy

Lighting & Temperature:

• Basking Spot: Not required.

• Ambient Temperature: 72–78°F during the day.

• Cool Side: 68–72°F at night.

• UVB Lighting: Provide low-level UVB (ExoTerra UVB 100 or Zoo Med T5 5.0) for 10–12 hours daily. Though nocturnal, they benefit from UVB exposure for calcium metabolism and plant health.

Humidity:

Maintain 80–100% humidity with frequent misting or an automatic misting system. Allow brief drying periods between misting to prevent stagnant air and mold growth.

Food:

Powdered Glass Frogs are insectivorous. Feed small, soft-bodied insects such as flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails, and isopods. Offer food 4–5 times per week. Always dust insects with calcium and vitamin supplements.

Water:

Provide a shallow, dechlorinated water dish or a small circulating feature that mimics natural streams. Perform partial water changes frequently to prevent bacterial buildup.

The Powdered Glass Frog’s ethereal beauty and unique biology make it a standout in any amphibian collection. When kept in a lush, bioactive terrarium with proper humidity and clean water, these gentle frogs reward their keeper with fascinating behaviors and a glimpse into the mysteries of the rainforest.