If you want to learn about Red Eyed Tree Frogs, this
page contains lots of useful information about its habitat
and lifestyle, as well as how it is affected by changes
to the rainforests.
The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an
arboreal hylid native to Neotropical rainforests in Central
America. It is a small-sized tree frog, reaching lengths
of about 5 - 7 centimeters (3 inches). Its dorsal surface
is green of varying shades, and its ventral surface is
white. The sides of the frog are purple or blue, with
vertical white stripes and orange toes. Young frogs are
typically brown in color and turn greener as they mature,
although adult frogs can change their color depending
on mood and environment.
Both females and males have bulging orangy red eyes with
vertically narrowed pupils, resembling the eyes of domestic
cats. Red-eyed tree frogs have soft, fragile skin on their
belly, and the skin on their back is thicker and rougher.
Bright markings along the sides and limbs reduces predation.
Most animals that prey on A. callidryas (some bats, snakes,
and birds) often rely on their vision. When the frog moves
to avoid the predator the bright colorations flash into
view (hence their name, flash colors) and throw off the
predator. This is achieved by leaving a ghost image in
the visual field of where the frog was originally. This
confuses the predator and gives the frog time to hide.
These flash colors may also deceive predators by making
the frog appear poisonous.
Red-eyed tree frogs are not poisonous and rely on camouflage
to protect them. During the day, they remain motionless,
cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their
bright feet under their belly, and shut their red eyes.
Thus, they appear almost completely green, and well hidden
among the foliage. Their eyes seem to glow in the dark.
Diet
Red-eyed tree frogs are mainly carnivores. They prefer
crickets, flies, grasshoppers and moths. Sometimes, they
will eat smaller frogs. For froglets, fruit flies and
pinhead crickets are the meals of choice.
Threats
The following have been listed as threats to the survival
of the species:
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Shifting
Agriculture
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Small-holder
farming
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Agro-industry
farming
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Livestock - Small-holder
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Livestock - Agro-industry
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Extraction - Wood - Clear-cutting
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Infrastructure development
- Human settlement
Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) - Land pollution
- Agriculture
Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) - Water pollution
- Agriculture
Taxonomy
Red-eyed tree frogs are closely related to chorus frogs,
which have the same body style and many of the same habits,
though chorus frogs are more vocal.
Distribution and Habitat
Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit rainforests from southern
Mexico, through Central America, to Northern Colombia.
They are often found near rivers or ponds.
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