Wallace's flying frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus)
Photo: Rushenb / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Tree frog

Wallace's flying frog care guide

Rhacophorus nigropalmatus

Advanced

The wallace's flying frog is a advanced-level tree frog from Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra. Adults reach 8–10 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. A large gliding frog that needs a tall enclosure with broad leaves and a water area.

  • Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
  • Temp 22–27°C
  • Humidity 70–90%

How much does a wallace's flying frog cost in Canada?

Animal$150–300Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$650–1090Enclosure $300–570 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $300
Yearly upkeep$150–300Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$950–1690All prices CAD, estimates

Wallace's flying frog quick facts

Skill level
Advanced
Adult size
8–10 cm
Lifespan
5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra
Minimum enclosure
60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
22–27°C
Humidity
70–90%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths
Bioactive style
Tropical arboreal

Wallace's flying frog enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm

Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.

Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a wallace's flying frog eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Hands-off; glides when startled.

Health watch: Dehydration and bacterial infections.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
  • Check temperatures at perch height.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
  • Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
  • Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter.
  • Check branches and mounts are still secure.
  • Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.

Yearly

  • Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
  • Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.

Recommended for a wallace's flying frog bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 90 cm).

Wallace's flying frog FAQ

Is the wallace's flying frog good for beginners?

The wallace's flying frog is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Hands-off; glides when startled.

What size enclosure does a wallace's flying frog need?

At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (about 24 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a wallace's flying frog cost in Canada?

Typically $150–300 CAD to buy, about $650–1090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a wallace's flying frog need?

Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–90%.

What does a wallace's flying frog eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.