Red-eyed Tree Frog
Agalychnis callidryas
Least ConcernFast Facts
About
The red-eyed tree frog is one of the most photographed amphibians in the world, a vivid emblem of the Central American rainforest. Its neon-green body, blue-and-yellow flanks, orange feet and startling red eyes make it instantly recognisable.
By day it rests motionless on the underside of leaves with its bright colours tucked away, appearing as little more than a green blob to passing predators.
Behaviour
When disturbed, the frog suddenly flashes its red eyes and vivid flanks, a startle tactic called 'deimatic display' that can buy a crucial moment to leap to safety. This is thought to confuse predators as the colours vanish again.
Females lay eggs on leaves overhanging water; when the tadpoles hatch they drop straight into the pool below.
Did you know?
- Embryos can hatch early and drop to safety if they sense a predator attacking the egg clutch
- Its sudden flash of red eyes is a defensive startle display
- The sticky toe pads let it cling to wet leaves high in the canopy
- Its bright colours are hidden when at rest, rendering it almost invisible
Distribution
Lowland rainforests of Central America, from Mexico to Panama
