Rainforest fauna: Red Eye Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) Natalia Filippidi – January 2012

Fast Facts Type: Amphibian Diet: Carnivore Average life span in the wild: 5years Group name: Army Also known as: Red-eyed leaf frog. Location: Southern Mexico, Central America including but not limited to Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama, and northern South America Size:1.5 to 2.75 in (4 to 7 cm)

Size and Description Red-Eyed Tree Frogs will grow to be 2 cm (males) and 3 -4 cm (females) in length. It is well known for its bulging red eyes and beautiful blue streaks and orange toes. When the Tree Frog sleeps it hides its sharp colors, but if it runs from a predator the bright colors may confuse or disinterest the predator. Like many Tree Frogs, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog has suction cups on its toes that enable it to climb on trees and on leaves.

Habitat Red-Eyed Tree Frogs inhabit lowland rainforest areas near ponds, streams and rivers. The Red- Eyed Tree Frog will be found near water sources where its offspring, tadpoles, will need to survive.

Diet Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are carnivorous and eat mostly insects, including crickets. They will also feed on other smaller frogs.

Reproduction Red-Eyed Tree Frogs will lay clutches of eggs on the underside of leaves that are standing above a water source. When the eggs hatch the fluid that was inside the eggs assist in washing the tadpoles down into the water.