Red Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
Red Eyed Tree Frogs:
Red Eyed Tree Frogs are an attractive variety of arboreal frog that originates in Central and South America. They are found in tropical forests from Mexico to Columbia.
Red Eyed Tree Frogs are known for their large bright red eyes; however they are nocturnal and spend most of the day attached to a tree sleeping, with their distinctive eyes closed. During the day they are well hidden, with their green body colouring blending into the forest. Some scientists believe the bright red eyes are used to distract predators if the frogs are disturbed, with the sudden display of the eyes opening startling the predator long enough for the frog to escape.
The average size of a Red Eyed Tree Frog is around 5cm/2inches for a male and around 7cm/3inches for a female.
The frogs have large suction cups on their feet which allow them to easily grip onto leaves or branches as they move through the forest canopy. Despite the bright red colouring these frogs are not poisonous. They are nocturnal hunters that catch their prey of insects by using their long sticky tongue.
Red Eyed Tree Frogs breed during the rainy season between May and November and lay 20 – 40 eggs. The eggs are laid on the underside of a leaf and the tadpoles hatch and drop into he water after approximately seven days. This method protects the eggs from water dwelling predators during their initial development.
Red Eyed Tree Frogs make good pets for experienced herpetologists and may live for up to ten years if well looked after in the correct housing, with a well balanced diet.
Please use the 'Frogs Care Sheet' links located below, in order to find more information on keeping Red Eyed Tree Frogs as pets.
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