Information on the Red Eyed Tree Frog

The red-eyed tree frog is noted for its orange feet and red eyes.

The red-eyed tree frog is a rainforest amphibian that lives in Central America, southern Mexico and northern South America. Known more formally as Agalychnis callidryas, this small frog grows to between 1.5 and 2.75 inches. Many people recognize the red-eyed tree frog as the poster child for save-the-rainforest causes, but that is because of the frog's striking looks, rather than a particular endangerment to its species.

Startle Coloration

Unlike some other brightly colored animals, the red-eyed tree frog is not venomous. Its bright colors serve as a defense against predators. When attacked, the frog bulges open its red eyes, puffs out its bright yellow and blue sides and displays its orange feet. This defense is called "startle coloration," because the predator is startled into losing focus. The frog takes advantage of this moment of hesitation and hops away.

Diet

A cricket is a tasty meal for this frog.

By day, red-eyed tree frogs sleep on the underside of leaves, entirely camouflaged. At night, they ambush their prey amidst the rainforest canopy. Their sticky tongues flick out to apprehend crickets, flies and other insects. If they find a frog small enough to fit in their mouths, they will turn cannibal.

Breeding

The rainy season is the breeding time for red-eyed tree frogs. From March to October, the males croak to woo the females. Sometimes, males fight for females by knocking each other off of the branches. Other times, they fight while hanging off a female who is holding on to the underside of a leaf. In this case, the female may be supporting the weight of several frogs at once.

Candidates for Pets

Red-eyed tree frogs make impressive and colorful pets, with their neon green bodies and bulging red eyes. Their calm and docile disposition makes them pleasant to handle. They are also expensive, however, and can be delicate. They aren't an ideal pet for somebody who is new to raising amphibians.

Housing a Pet Tree Frog

Red-eyed tree frogs like to live in groups. Therefore, if the pet owner can afford a few, the frogs will be happier. They need a place to swim and a branch or other means to help them get out of the pond. The tank temperature should be between 78 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, and 66 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These frogs also like it humid: about 81 to 100 percent humidity is ideal.

References

• All About Frogs: Red-Eyed Tree Frog
• National Geographic: Red-eyed Tree Frog
• Ezine: Red-Eyed Tree Frog