Quick Facts on the Red Eye Tree Frog

The red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is one of the most spectacular frogs on Earth. Despite their bright colors, they are not poisonous and are very good at remaining hidden among foliage. While captive red-eyed tree frogs can be handled, they are sensitive to salt and should be picked up with clean and damp hands. Some frogs have burgundy-colored eyes and are sold as ruby-eyed tree frogs.

  1. Description

    • The red-eyed tree frog is brightly colored with large blood-red eyes and an overall bright green skin color. The sides are vertically striped with blue and yellow and the toes are vivid orange. Red eyes are slender with long back legs and large bulbous toes. Males grow to two and a half inches in length while females can be three inches long. At rest, the red-eyed tree frog closes its eyes and covers its sides and feet, appearing uniformly green.

    Range

    • The species is distributed widely in the tropical forests of Central America, from southern Mexico down to Panama and also in northern Colombia. They are particularly common in Costa Rica.

    Habitat

    • As a tropical rain forest creature, red-eyed tree frogs favor damp habitats. They are found close to water sources such as streams and forest pools but rarely venture into the water. The species prefers lowland forest but is also found on hillsides close to water sources.

    Behavior

    • Red-eyed tree frogs rarely spend time on the ground, although they will feed on the forest floor, and are most often found in trees and among vegetation. They are powerful jumpers with excellent coordination and climbing abilities. Red eyes are nocturnal and spend the day sheltering underneath large leaves of plants such as wild bananas. They feed on insects and other small animals. Males gather on a branch over water and call, fighting until all but one has been dislodged. The successful male then mates with a female, the eggs being laid under a leaf. Upon hatching, the tadpoles drop into the water underneath.

    Captivity

    • Their bright colors and calm temperament has made the red-eyed tree frog a popular pet. Up to four frogs can be kept in a 20-gallon tank with a sterile soil or coconut husk fiber substrate. Real or artificial plants and driftwood make good decoration and allow the frogs to climb and find shelter. Red-eyed tree frogs need high humidity, daily misting and a warm temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They require live food, such as crickets or flies, which should be dusted with reptile vitamin powder enriched with calcium and vitamin D. A well-fitted aquarium top is essential as red eyes are very good at escaping.