Red-Eyed Frog Information

The red-eyed tree frog, Agalychnis callidryas, is the most recognizable frog species on Earth because its bright and distinctive colors. The bright colors are thought to startle predators and give the frog the chance to escape. As an arboreal frog, the red-eyed tree frog rarely comes down to the ground in its natural forest habitat. The species is widely kept as a pet. It should not be confused with the superficially similar Australian red-eyed tree frog (Litoria chloris).

  1. Description

    • Red-eyed tree frogs have orange feet and blue-and-yellow-striped sides.

      While the overall body color is bright green, red-eyed tree frogs have blue-and-yellow-striped sides and bright orange feet with rounded pads on the ends of the toes. The large eyes are bright blood or ruby red with a vertical, black pupil. Red-eyed tree frogs have long legs with blue thighs and a narrow head and pointed nose. They grow to 3 inches in length with the females larger than the males.

    Range

    • In the wild, red-eyed tree frogs are found from northern Columbia up through Central America all the way up to southern Mexico. They are most common in the lowland areas of Central America, especially in parts of Costa Rica and Panama.

    Habitat

    • Red-eyed tree frogs are lowland tropical forest animals that are found in trees and shrubs. The frogs favor humid conditions, and although they are rarely found in streams or pools, they live close to them. They rarely come down to the ground.

    Behavior

    • While brightly colored, red-eyed tree frogs can tuck their feet and legs into their sides, close their eyes and appear completely green. They are nocturnal and spend their days motionless, sheltering on the undersides of large leaves. Their long legs mean that they are excellent climbers. Males gather over water and sing in unison to attract females before fighting for the best perches. Successful males then mate with a female, fighting off other males throughout the process. The eggs are laid under a leaf over water, allowing the newly hatched tadpoles drop into the water.

    Captivity

    • Red-eyed tree frogs are very popular pets because of their phlegmatic nature and attractive colors. A pair can be kept successfully in a 20-gallon glass aquarium with an aquarium gravel substrate and plenty of natural plants as cover. A tall tank is preferable as these frogs like to climb. While the frogs do not like swimming, a large bowl of fresh water in the tank provides humidity. The ideal temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Adults will eat anything alive that they can fit into their mouths--including smaller frogs.