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Amazon milk frog Facts

Amazon milk frog Facts
Amazon milk frog, also known as "mission golden-eyed tree frog" or "blue milk frog" belongs to the family known as "tree frogs and their allies". It can be found in northern parts of South America. Amazon milk frog inhabits moist, tropical rainforests. It lives on the trees near the slow-flowing waters. Habitat loss (due to intense deforestation) and fungal diseases represent major threats for the survival of Amazon milk frogs in the wild. Despite these factors, Amazon milk frogs are still numerous and widespread in the Amazon jungle.
Interesting Amazon milk frog Facts:
Amazon milk frog can reach 2.5 to 4 inches in length. Females are larger than males.
Amazon milk frog has light gray body covered with brown or black bands. Young frogs are more intensely colored than adults, whose skin is bumpy and covered with pale markings.
Amazon milk frog has long, pointed snout, golden eyes and large, sticky pads on the toes.
Amazon milk frog spends almost entire life in the treetops (arboreal animal). It rarely descends to the ground.
Amazon milk frog is nocturnal animal (active during the night).
Amazon milk frog is a carnivore (meat-eater). Its diet is based on insects, spiders and other types of small arthropods (that can be swallowed in one piece).
Amazon milk frog rests under the leaves and branches high above the ground. It always chooses branches above the water to prevent injuries that could result from accidental falling from the tree.
Amazon milk frog secretes foul-smelling, poisonous milky substance from the skin to protect itself against predators.
Amazon milk frog does not have natural enemies (thanks to the poison in the skin), except the tadpoles of its own species which feed on the eggs.
Mating season of Amazon milk frogs takes place during the rainy season (from November to May).
One hour after sunset, males start to produce loud calls which attract females. They can produce 4.000 calls per night.
Female produces around 2.500 eggs which male covers with sperm. Fertilized eggs are laid in the cavities of trees filled with water. Female does not show parental care.
Eggs hatch in 24 hours. Tadpoles initially feed on detritus, which soon becomes inadequate source of energy. Father then starts to produce loud calls to attract new female, but this time, he skips fertilization of eggs and uses them as a source of food for his tadpoles.
Lack of predators and water currents in the tree holes ensure survival of the great number of eggs and tadpoles. However, Amazon milk frogs need to leave tree holes before they dry out completely. Thanks to unusual feeding method, tadpoles can survive even in these nutritionally-poor areas and complete transformation into froglets (young frogs) in only 3 to 4 weeks.
Amazon milk frog can survive 25 years in the wild.


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