Red leg running frogs, Phlyctimantis maculatus

Do Red leg running frogs make good pets?

Red leg running frogs are a fascinating, communal amphibian species that can be kept in small groups when enough space is provided. This species is very active and will also appreciate some arboreal space as well as floor space, which gives you the opportunity to create a stunning display enclosure.

They have a wide distribution along the Eastern coast of Africa, and are very adaptive in their habitat choices, from scrublands, to dry savannah to rainforests, making them quite a hardy frog that is suitable for beginner keepers. At Swell Reptiles, our Red leg running frogs are all captive bred in the UK, meaning you can rest assured that your new frog came from a reliable source.

Which enclosure should I choose for my Red leg running frogs?

To house a pair or trio of Red leg running frogs, we recommend a minimum enclosure size of 60 x 45 x 60cm (24 x 18 x 24”), for example, the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 60x45x60cm. Due to their higher humidity requirements, glass or PVC enclosures work better than wood, as the wood is likely to warp and become water damaged over time.

Do Red leg running frogs need to be heated?

Red leg running frogs prefer a warm area temperature of around 26°C (78°F) and a cool end sitting closer to 20°C (68°F). In most homes, this can be achieved without much extra help, but you may need to provide a little supplementary heating in the form of a basking lamp or ceramic heater suspended above the enclosure. All heating equipment must be hooked up to a compatible thermostat, for basking lamps this would be a dimming thermostat, whereas for ceramic heaters this would be a pulse thermostat.

Do Red leg running frogs need UVB?

Your Red leg running frog will benefit significantly from a UVI between 2-3, which is most easily achieved using an Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 Kit positioned 25-40cm (10-15”) above the basking area. If your light fixture will need to be higher, but no higher than 45cm (18”), then an Arcadia ProT5 Kit - Forest 6% will be better.

How do I decorate a Red leg running frog terrarium?

Although they are not fully arboreal, your Red leg running frog will appreciate some branches and vines to create some arboreal space in the form of branches and vines. Their terrestrial space should also be decorated with hiding caves, logs, cork bark and other decor pieces to provide covered areas and enrichment. Another important consideration is a large water dish that your frog can soak in if they choose.

What do Red leg running frogs eat?

Red leg running frogs are insectivorous and should be fed on a varied diet of different livefoods, such as crickets, locusts, calci worms and flies. All livefood must be dusted with supplements according to a schedule to ensure all of the required nutrients are provided in their diet.

We recommend using a calcium-rich multivitamin on every feed, such as Arcadia EarthPro-A, a calcium plus magnesium supplement on every fourth feed, such as Arcadia CalciumPro Mg and finally, a vitamin D3 supplement on every eighth feed such as Arcadia EarthPro RevitaliseD3 and finally, a vitamin a reptile supplement on every 12th feed, which is particularly important for most amphibians.

Can I handle my Red leg running frog?

For the same reason their water must be treated to remove harmful contaminants, Red leg running frogs should not be handled unless this cannot be avoided. Salts, oils and other substances present on our skin can cause them irritation and discomfort, so if you do need to handle your frog it is important to do this with clean, damp hands to reduce discomfort as much as possible.

How do I buy a Red leg running frog toad?

If you would like to take one of our UK captive bred Red leg running frogs home, please come into our store and see us, bringing with you some photos of your set-up which should be completely ready for the frog(s) to go into.

To ensure all of our livestock goes to suitable homes, we will ask a few quick questions, and also to see your set-up images before we allow you to take the animal home. We reserve the right to refuse adoption to anyone we feel is unprepared to adopt.