Fun Red-eyed Tree Frog Facts For Kids

Agalychnis callidryas, or Red Eyed Tree Frogs, are known as arboreal hylid, which means part of the tree-dwelling frog family, which are found in the neotropical rainforests found in the region of Mexico to Central America up to Columbia. The scientific name of Red Eyed Tree Frogs, Agalychnis callidryas, comes from the Greek word 'kalos' which means good or beautiful, and 'dryas' which means a tree or a wood nymph. Red Eyed Tree Frogs have vertically narrow pupils with three eyelids. They have bright green bodies with blue or yellow vertical stripes on the side. They have red or orange colored feet and toes. Agalychnis callidryas have sticky pads on their toes that help them climb and cling to leaves. Red Eyed Tree Frogs can survive in the daytime temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperature of 19-25 degrees Celsius. They sleep by day, clinging to the bottom of the leaf with closed red eyes and body marking covered.

They use a technique called startle coloration, so when disturbed or attacked, they will open and bulge their bright red eyes and reveal their huge webbed orange feet and brightly colored yellow and blue flanks. This will make the predator, like a snake or bird, pause for a moment giving them enough time to jump to safety. After reading facts about Red-Eyed Green Tree Frog, you may also look at tree frog facts and common toad facts.

‍

What type of animal is a Red-Eyed Tree Frog?

The Red Eyed Tree Frog, scientific name being Agalychnis callidryas, is a type of frog which is found on trees and leaves of the tropical rain forests of central America. It is a bright green colored frog with red bulging eyes and orange or red colored feet.

What class of animal does a Red-Eyed Tree Frog belong to?

The Red Eyed Tree Frog (agalychnis callidryas) belongs to the amphibian class of animals as it lays eggs in clutches.

How many Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are there in the world?

The exact number of Red Eyed Tree Frogs is difficult to calculate. But, the population is known to be stable, although the concern of habitat loss is high in the regions of Central America with rampant deforestation and urbanization of the region.

Where does a Red-Eyed Tree Frog live?

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are found in the region of Central America. Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are found in rainforest and humid lowlands on the Atlantic slopes from northern Veracruz and northern Oaxaca in Mexico to central Panama and northern Columbia. They are also found in the regions of pacific slopes of southwestern Cost Rica, eastern Panama and southwestern Nicaragua.  Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are found in rainforest and humid lowlands on the Atlantic slopes from northern Veracruz and northern Oaxaca in Mexico to central Panama and northern Columbia. They are also found in the regions of pacific slopes of southwestern Costa Rica, eastern Panama and southwestern Nicaragua. Many are kept in captivity, too.

What is a Red-Eyed Tree Frog's habitat?

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog habitat is the neotropical rainforest of Central America and some regions of Northern South America including Southern Mexico. They are found in the lowland rainforest and surrounding hills, closer to rivers or such water bodies. They are excellent climbers and jumpers. The suction cup-like foot pad helps them cling to the underside of leaves. They are also known to swim.

Who do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs live with?

They are solitary creatures but live closer to other frogs and smaller animals. They interact with other Red-Eyed Tree Frogs during the mating season only.

How long does a Red-Eyed Tree Frog live?

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog lifespan is said to be about five years. The Red Eyed Tree Frog life cycle can extend a bit longer in captivity. In the wild, they live for less than five years.

How do they reproduce?

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs usually mate in the rainy season. The mating process starts with croaking and quivering mating rituals. The process for mating is called amplexus, which is common among varied frog species. In this process, the smaller males clasp themselves to the larger females when their eggs reach maturity. The males will inseminate the eggs as the females lay them. This process may take a day or longer. They mate the underside of the leaves, while the female is clinging to the leaves for both of them. The female will enter the water after she lays her clutch with the male still attached to her in order to fill her bladder with water. Water will keep the eggs moist. In case there is no water, they will dry up and die. The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves close to the water. The eggs hatch within a few days of laying. After the eggs hatch, the tadpoles will emerge quickly and swim around the eggs until it ruptures. This is a quick process to let the tadpoles enter the water below. The reproductive activity is a very strenuous activity for the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. The mating ritual starts with loud croaking which is done by all the males in tandem.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of Red-Eyed Tree Frogs is of the least concern, but the loss of habitat may be challenging for them to survive.

What do Red-Eyed Tree Frogs look like?

They are known for their bulging red eyes with a vertical pupil, which may result from their nocturnal behavior. The dorsal area is neon green with yellow or blue vertical markings on it. Their sides are light blue or cream colored or may have yellow stripes. The upper legs are bright blue and the feet are bright red or orange. The suction toe pads are also the same color. The younger red-eyed tree frog may be brown in color and change color as they mature. The female is larger than the male. They can change their body color to darker green or reddish-brown.

How cute are they?

They are bright and colorful, which is an understatement. They have all the vibrant colors found in nature on their bodies. These colors, as defense mechanisms, help them to merge in with their surrounding of green fauna and flora.

How do they communicate?

They may croak in low volume at regular times. But they are known to croak loudly for their mating call which is used to attract females. They jump from one leaf to another while croaking loudly.

How big is a Red-Eyed Tree Frog?

The Red-Eyed Tree frog is found to be in the range of 2-3 inches. Males are smaller than females. They are smaller than other frog species.

How fast can a Red-Eyed Tree Frog run?

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) can jump 20 times their length which is the equivalent of a human jumping across two basketball courts in one leap. Red Eyed Tree Frog jumping is known to be quick and agile to save themselves from predators and also to ambush their prey.

How much does a Red-Eyed Tree Frog weigh?

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog weighs between 0.013-0.03 lb. Owing to their light weight, they can jump at a faster pace than other frogs.

What are their male and female names of the species?

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs do not have specific male and female names. The male will be called a male Red-Eyed Tree Frog and the female will be called a female Red-Eyed Tree Frog.

What would you call a baby Red-Eyed Tree Frog?

Baby Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are called tadpoles. These tadpoles live inside the water till they grow into little brown froglets.

What do they eat?

The Red-Eyed Tree Frog diet includes any animal or insect that they can fit in their mouth. They will ambush their prey while hiding underneath the leaves. They will eat flies, moths, crickets, smaller frogs or grasshoppers. The babies will eat fruit flies and pinhead crickets.

Are they poisonous?

No, Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are not poisonous. Their defense mechanism is startled coloration. Just like other frogs, these red-eyed frogs also devour small insects like caterpillar, grasshopper, and so on.

Would they make a good pet?

A Red-Eyed tree frog pet can be a good idea, provided they have a habitat that helps them survive and a temperature-controlled environment. This means you must acquire complete knowledge about the Red Eyed Tree Frog terrarium and Red Eyed Tree Frog Vivarium. Red Eyed Tree Frog price starts from $30 and goes up to $80. If you are thinking about adopting this amphibian as a pet, then you must have knowledge about Red Eyed Tree Frog care and Red Eyed Tree Frog habits as well.

Did you know...

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are a symbol of the movement to save the world’s rainforest.  

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are known to quiver or vibrate while calling for mating.  

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs tadpoles can hatch early if they sense danger.

Red Eyed Tree Frog poisonous status is nothing more than a myth as these amphibians do not secret any venom.

Can you touch a Red Eyed Tree Frog?

You can touch the Red Eyed Tree Frog, but they are delicate beings, and if not handled with care, they may injure themselves. Touching them could be stressful for them. Their skin is known to be porous which means they absorb whatever it touches which can make them ill.

Do Red Eyed Tree Frogs have teeth?

Red Eyed Tree Frogs have tiny teeth which help them to hold their prey. They swallow with their eyes, as the eyes will retract when they are pushing their meal down.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other amphibians including pool frog, or panamanian golden frog.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Red Eyed Tree Frog coloring pages.