Chinese Micro Mossy Frog (Theloderma rhododiscus)

Chinese Micro Mossy Frog

Scientific Name: Theloderma rhododiscus
Common Name: Chinese Micro Mossy Frog

Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3 cm), with females slightly larger.

Appearance: The Chinese Micro Mossy Frog is a tiny, heavily camouflaged species with a rough, tuberculate texture across the dorsum. Colouration ranges from deep greens and browns to black mottling, often accented with distinct reddish or pinkish discs on the limbs or back—its most recognisable identifying feature. The skin resembles moss or lichen, allowing it to disappear against damp, textured surfaces. Eyes are large relative to body size, usually copper or gold, with horizontal pupils. Limbs are slender with small toe pads built for gripping bark and mossy rock.

Distribution: Native to southern China and northern Vietnam, generally in montane forests with cool, stable moisture.

Habitat: Found in rocky seepage zones, dripping cave entrances, moss-covered cliff faces, and shaded forest microhabitats with constant clean moisture. This species specializes in environments with cool temperatures and oxygen-rich dripping water.

Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and slow-moving, Chinese Micro Mossy Frogs remain motionless during the day. They rely entirely on camouflage for defence. At night, they explore rocky or mossy surfaces in search of food. They are highly sensitive to heat and stagnant humidity.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A single adult or small group thrives in a 12 × 12 × 18 inches (30 × 30 × 45 cm) enclosure, while larger groups benefit from an 18 × 18 × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) setup. This species performs best with a filtered-water-base system: create a false bottom or drainage layer with a filtered, oxygenated water reservoir beneath. Install a small internal or sponge filter to maintain clean, moving water. Above this, provide elevated cork rounds, textured rock panels, moss-covered bark, and ledges where the frogs remain above open water. Add pockets of sphagnum or leaf litter only on elevated surfaces, not at the base. Incorporate a drip wall, seepage feature, or rain bar to create constant dripping moisture, closely replicating their natural environment.

Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 65 to 72°F (18 to 22°C)
Warm area: up to 74°F (23°C)
Night temperature: 60 to 68°F (15 to 20°C)
Humidity: 80 to 100%, maintained with frequent misting and evaporative moisture from the water reservoir.

Lighting: Provide low UVB (around 2%) with dim, diffused lighting. Avoid bright or direct light.

Diet: Offer very small insects such as fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets, tiny roaches, and isopods. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins.

Behaviour in Captivity: Chinese Micro Mossy Frogs thrive in cool, clean, highly structured enclosures. They remain inactive for much of the day and become more exploratory at night. They appreciate heavy structure and shaded areas. Handling is strongly discouraged due to their tiny size and sensitive skin.

Special Considerations:
• Handle only with wet, powder-free gloves or a soft, damp net; frogs this small can be injured easily.
• Maintain cool temperatures—overheating is extremely dangerous for this species.
• Use filtered, oxygen-rich water; stagnant water supports pathogens.
• Provide abundant mossy, textured surfaces for resting and camouflage.
• Ensure strong ventilation to prevent stagnant humidity.
• Use only dechlorinated or RO water for misting and water features.
• Secure the enclosure thoroughly—these frogs are small enough to fit through very narrow gaps.

Taxonomy Note

Theloderma rhododiscus belongs to the Rhacophoridae family and is part of the mossy frog group known for extreme camouflage, small size, and dependence on dripping, saturated environments. It is distinguished from other Theloderma by the characteristic reddish “discs” and extremely small adult size.

Genetics Note

There are no recognised morphs for Theloderma rhododiscus. Natural variation appears in the intensity of red spotting, dorsal mottling, and tubercle distribution, but none represent defined genetic morphs.