Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have done my little bit of research on white's tree frogs and why they change color. Most websites do not have good explanations, nor do they have good facts to prove theories. I have come up with my own theory on the simplest thing I could observe. I usually do not handle my animals much except for a few times when I want to look at their health (once a week or so) and today while I was letting my white's crawl on me, I noticed that he would simply change color in light. While I rinsed out his water dish in my bathroom and filled it back up, he was a lime green, but in the darker hallway, he was a dull brown. A white's may show colors for other reasons, but the only thing that I have seen and can prove is their color changing for light differences. If you have a darker background,that may be a reason for a darker colored white's (or darker colored lighting). I just felt like posting this recent bit of knowledge that I have obtained because most people will post a message stating that their white's has changed colors and they are worried. The only thing I can say is not to be worried, but instead just watch your tank and see its light and dark spots.

I disagree. Light has nothing to do with it. You are correct, though, in that some people believe the lightness of an area could be the reason: if they're on brown dirt versus a bright green leaf, for instance...but actual light doesn't have anything to do with it. Books I have read say that the olive brown (or darker green/blue) coloration usually means the frog is at rest or relaxed, while the vibrant coloration means the frog is alert (for instance, hunting for food) or alarmed.
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My froggy website: http://members.fortunecity.com/civicchick

Whoops, silly me, I hit "post" instead of "preview" & I just thought of something to add: some hobbyists also think that color changes could be brought on by rapid temperature changes, as well.
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My froggy website: http://members.fortunecity.com/civicchick