Red-eyed Tree Frog

Red-eyed Tree Frog

The red-eyed tree frog’s scientific name is Agalychnis callidryas, which originates from the Greek words kalos (beautiful) and dryas (a tree or wood nymph).

Key Features:

Life-span: 4/5 years
Diet: Moths, Flies, Crickets, Other Insects
Size: 40-70mm
Endangered Status: Least Concern

Read Frog Squad: The Royal Quest

IUCN RED LIST STATUS:

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

What do they look like?

While predominately green, the red eyed tree frog earns its name from its striking red eyes. Green and red are but two of the six colours forming the make-up of this multicoloured beauty. The other prevalent colours found on the red-eyed tree frog are blue, yellow, orange and cream; they have patterned blue and yellow sides and upper legs, a cream underbelly and orange suction cup toes. Their huge red eyes have three eyelids which are used to protect the eye and keep it moist while still allowing them to see.

What size are they?

The females are larger is size than the males. On average, they measure 40-70mm in length and weigh 6-15g.

How do they behave?

The red-eyed tree frog spend their days sleeping on the underside of rainforest leaves. They rest with their eyes closed and with its body markings covered, by scrunching up; with only their green colouring on display, this helps them blend in well with the leaves. If disturbed, they open their vivid red eyes, reveal their large, orange webbed toes and dazzling bright blue and yellow sides. This startling behaviour (known as startle coloration) may surprise a predator long enough to allow the tree frog to leap to safety. The red-eyed tree frog’s toes have huge suction cups which, as the frogs are arboreal, lend themselves fantastically to life in the trees. Their sticky toes allow the frogs to hold on tight while climbing.

Where do they live?

This iconic frog is native to tropical rainforest canopies in northern South America, across Central America, and in southern Mexico. The red-eyed tree frog is not endangered, despite their habitat being deforested at a worrying rate.

What do they eat?

The red-eyed tree frog is a nocturnal carnivore that enjoys crickets, flies, moths amongst other insects and they use their sticky, long tongues to ambush their prey.

The Species

Read Frog Squad: The Royal Quest