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Description
Malayan Leaf Litter Frog
Scientific Name: Leptobrachium hendricksonii
Common Name: Malayan Leaf Litter Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in length, with females slightly larger than males.
Appearance: Malayan Leaf Litter Frogs have a robust, stocky body with a broad head and moderately long limbs. Dorsal coloration ranges from brown to gray, often with darker spots or mottling that provide camouflage among forest leaf litter. Ventral surfaces are lighter, and eyes are large and forward-facing. Skin is smooth to slightly granular.
Distribution: Native to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and southern Thailand, inhabiting lowland and hill forests.
Habitat: Terrestrial and fossorial, typically found among leaf litter and under logs or debris on the forest floor. Prefers humid environments and is mostly active during the rainy season.
Behaviour: Ambush predator feeding on insects and small invertebrates. Generally sedentary, relying on camouflage and burrowing for protection.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult should be housed in an 18 × 18 × 12 inches (45 × 45 × 30 cm) enclosure with a substrate of soil, coco fibre, or leaf litter for moisture retention and burrowing. Include low hides, moss, and leaf litter for cover. Larger adults may benefit from a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure for additional floor space.
Temperature and Humidity:
Warm area: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Cool area: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Humidity: 70–85%, maintained with frequent misting and a damp substrate.
Lighting: Low-intensity lighting with a 12-hour light cycle. Low-level UVB may be beneficial but is not essential.
Diet: Feed a variety of appropriately sized insects such as crickets, roaches, and small worms. Prey should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium; multivitamins provided periodically.
Behaviour in Captivity: Mostly sedentary and partially buried in substrate. Active primarily during feeding. Handling should be minimal to reduce stress.
Special Considerations:
• Maintain high humidity and damp substrate
• Provide ample hiding and burrowing opportunities
• Avoid excessive handling
Taxonomy Note
Malayan Leaf Litter Frogs belong to the genus Leptobrachium, part of the family Megophryidae, a group of terrestrial, leaf-litter-dwelling frogs native to Southeast Asia. Members of this family are characterized by their stocky bodies, broad heads, and cryptic coloration adapted for camouflage. Leptobrachium hendricksonii is valued for its effective camouflage, burrowing habits, and ambush predation strategies.
Genetics Note
Naturally occurring species with no recognized captive-bred morphs.