Red Eye Tree Frog Habitat

The red-eyed tree frog is one of the most recognizable amphibians thanks to its startlingly big, bright red eyes. This little frog might blend in on a leaf when it closes its eyes but should a predator come near, the frog snaps its eyes open, startling all but the most steadfast predator.

  1. Habitat and Range

    • Red-eyed tree frogs are found in lowland rain forests throughout Central America into southern Mexico. They live in areas along rivers and prefer very humid (80 percent to 100 percent) environments.

    Early Development

    • Adult females lay their eggs on leaves above water. When the eggs hatch five days later, the tadpoles slide off the leaf and into the water, where they develop into froglets in about 75 days. Then, the froglets leave the water and move into the trees.

    Adulthood

    • The red-eyed tree frog is arboreal; it spends all of its adult life in trees. It might hide among the bromeliad plants there, and can be found hanging from leaves and branches.

    Appearance

    • These frogs have slender bodies and legs. Fully grown, they are about 3 inches long. Their bodies are brilliant green with blue stripes along the sides, and red or orange feet. The blue stripes, like the bright red eyes, are for defense; the frog flashes them to startle potential predators.

    Diet

    • Red-eyed tree frogs are carnivorous, eating insects, especially grasshoppers, crickets and moths. They have been known to eat other frogs.