Agalychnis callidryas
| Red-eyed Tree [Frog] | |
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| Species: | A. callidryas
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| Agalychnis callidryas | |
The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an arboreal hylid native to Neotropical rainforests.
Description
The Red-eyed Tree Frog is a small-sized tree frog, reaching lengths of about 7 centimeters (3 inches). Its dorsal surface is green of varying shades, and its ventral surface is white. The sides of the frog are purple or blue, with vertical white stripes and orange toes. Both females and males have bulging orangy red eyes with vertically narrowed pupils, resembling the eyes of domestic cats. Red-eyed tree frogs have soft, fragile skin on their belly, and the skin on their back is thicker and rougher.
Bright markings along the sides and limbs reduces predation. Most animals that prey on A. callidryas (some bats, snakes, and birds) often rely on their vision. When the frog moves to avoid the predator the bright colorations flash into view (hence their name, flash colors) and throw off the predator. This is achieved by leaving a ghost image in the visual field of where the frog was originally. This confuses the predator and gives the frog time to hide. These flash colors may also deceive predators by making the frog appear poisonous.
Red-eyed tree frogs are not poisonous and rely on camouflage to protect them. During the day, they remain motionless, cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their bright feet under their belly, and shut their red eyes. Thus, they appear almost completely green, and well hidden among the foliage. Their eyes seem to glow in the dark.
Diet
Red-eyed tree frogs are carnivores, feeding mostly on insects. They prefer crickets, flies, grasshoppers and moths. Sometimes, they will eat smaller frogs. For tadpoles, fruit flies and pinhead crickets are the meals of choice.
Threats
Deforestation bull frogs are their biggest threat
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Shifting Agriculture
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Small-holder farming
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Crops - Agro-industry farming
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Livestock - Small-holder
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Agriculture - Livestock - Agro-industry
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Extraction - Wood - Clear-cutting
Habitat Loss/Degradation - Infrastructure development - Human settlement
Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) - Land pollution - Agriculture
Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) - Water pollution - Agriculture
Taxonomy
Red-eyed tree frogs are closely related to chorus frogs, which have the same body style and many of the same habits, though chorus frogs are more vocal.
Distribution and Habitat
Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit lowland rainforests from southern Mexico, through Central America, to Northern Colombia. They are often found near rivers or ponds.
See also
- Litoria chloris — the Australian Red-eyed Tree Frog
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
External links
