Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Agalychnis callidryas

Description

Perhaps one of the most commonly photographed frog species, red-eyed tree frogs are undoubtedly one of the most colorific of all frogs. As the name suggests, the most striking feature of red-eyed tree frogs is there eyes, which are blood red. In addition to their eyes, these frogs have variegated blue striped lateral markings continuing down their legs, orange-highlighted feet and toes, a yellowish underbelly and are often bespeckled with white. Although the adult size of these frogs varies by topography and regional origin, they usually attain a length of between 2 to 3 inches (5.5-7.5 centimeters) at maturity. In captivity it is not uncommon for these frogs to live over five years.

Natural Habitat

Red-eyed tree frogs are indigenous to the southern states of Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo), Guatemala, Belize south to El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit tropical rainforests and the interlacing ecotones, comprised primarily of semi-humid scrub forest and temperate forest. They are distinctly arboreal, spending most of their time hidden on the underside of leaves to avoid direct sunlight and predators. Red-eyed tree frogs are most active at night when they emerge from their protective foliage to hunt for insects. Unlike the Mayan casque-headed frogs and the giant Mexican leaf frogs, red-eyes inhabit a more humid environment where a pronounced rainy season exists.

Artificial Habitat

Red-eyed tree frogs benefit from a heavily foliated, well-ventilated (but not drafty) enclosure. A screen or partially screened cage with substantial plant cover is ideal, but a screen topped aquarium set on end to maximize ventilation is also acceptable. Substrate should provide some insulation, such as soil, bark, leaf litter or moss. A small water bowl should also be provided. During the hotter parts of the day it is a good idea to mist the enclosure, making it damp but not wet. In their native habitat short intense rainfall is common, but it is usually followed by a return to full sunlight, providing a warming, humid environment. It is this warm semi-humidity that allows red-eyes to flourish.

Diet

In the wild, red-eyes eat primarily flying insects such as flies and moths, often eliminating the need for them to leave their vertical habitat. Despite this fact, our red-eyes seem perfectly happy to consume crickets, but seem to prefer them when they are in the plants rather than on the ground. They also enjoy grasshoppers, spiders, flies and moths.

Caveats

Red-eyed tree frogs are more susceptible to stress than many other species of frog. This problem is compounded by the temptation to awaken them in order to see their beautiful coloration (when they are at rest their colors are effectively hidden from view and look a relatively uniform green). It is worth noting that some believe the reason behind their vibrant colors is a form of defense deemed "startle coloration." Startle coloration works in a similar fashion to the vivid colors displayed by many venomous animals (and their mimics) as a form of warning to potential predators. In the case of the red-eye, the sudden appearance of such bright colors might ward away predators. With this in mind, red-eyed tree frogs are best observed at night during their normal waking hours and best left alone during the day. Also, red-eyed tree frogs need time to assimilate to a new environment. We have noticed that when first introduced to a new enclosure red-eyes quickly retreat into hiding places and have little or no appetite. If left alone for a few days they return to normal activity and eating habits.