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Red-eyed tree frog Facts

Red-eyed tree frog Facts
Red-eyed tree frog belongs to the family Hylidae (tree frogs). It can be found in the southern parts of Mexico, Central America and in the northern parts of South America. Red-eyed tree frog inhabits lowland tropical rainforests. Major threats for the survival of red-eyed tree frogs in the wild are habitat loss (due to accelerated deforestation) and climate changes. Luckily, number of red-eyed tree frogs in the wild is still large and stable. These animals are not on the list of endangered species.
Interesting Red-eyed tree frog Facts:
Red-eyed tree frog can reach 1.5 to 2.75 inches in length and 0.2 to 0.5 ounce of weight. Females are larger than males.
Red-eyed tree frog has brightly-colored green body with yellow and blue markings on the sides and large, orange-colored pads. It has huge red eyes with vertical black pupils.
Green color of the body ensures camouflage during the day when red-eyed tree frog rests motionless on the leaves. At the first sign of attack, red-eyed tree frog widely opens its eyes to surprise and startle the predator. It also moves its legs to expose brightly colored flanks. Most predators will be discouraged, at least for a moment, with this unexpected change in the color of the prey. Moment or two of hesitation gives red-eyed tree frog opportunity to escape.
Despite intense coloration of the body, red-eyed tree frog is not poisonous like other brightly-colored species of frogs and salamanders.
Red-eyed tree frog is an agile climber thanks to large pads equipped with numerous suction cups. It spends its life in the treetops (arboreal animal). Red-eyed tree frog uses long, slender legs for jumping.
Red-eyed tree frog is nocturnal animal (active during the night).
Red-eyed tree frog is a carnivore (meat-eater). Its diet is based on moths, grasshoppers, crickets and flies.
Red-eyed tree frog is an ambush predator which catches its prey using the element of surprise.
Natural enemies of adult red-eyed tree frogs are snakes, spiders, bats, owls and toucans. Tadpoles are targeted by dragonflies, fish and water beetles.
Mating season of red-eyed tree frogs takes place during the rainy season (from November to December).
Males shake tree branches to produce vibrations which are sign of superiority that can deter other, competing males. They also produce croaking sounds to attract females.
Mating takes place on the branches above the ponds or puddles. Male and female spend few minutes in water before copulation to collect moisture required for the production of jelly substance where eggs will be deposited.
Tadpoles hatch after 6 to 7 days. Metamorphosis (transformation of tadpoles into adult frogs) lasts from 3 weeks to several months.
Red-eyed tree frogs reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 years. They start to reproduce one or two years later.
Red-eyed tree frogs can survive 5 years in the wild.


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