There are several hypotheses for the reason behind the existence of these color morphs. Red-eyed tree frogs have variation in the color of their side stripes, which in Costa Rica and Panama specifically includes blue, blue/red, orange and purple. Though the main coloring of Agalychnis callidryas is consistent, there are some variations in morphs across the geographical range of the species. Image of the nictitating membrane seen in red-eyed tree frogs Distribution of color morphs Although the frog is brightly colored, this does not convey toxicity or aposematism like it may in related tree frog species. When the frog is startled, it can flash its bright red eyes, orange webbed feet, and blue and yellow lateral stripes, which all serve the purpose of startling predators and allowing the frog time to escape. In the red-eyed tree frog’s case, the frog’s startling red eyes are hidden when its eyes are closed allowing it to blend in with leaves. The frog's coloration is representative of “flash coloration.” Flash coloration describes when an organism displays certain colors at rest compared to when in motion. They do not have a true eyelid, but rather a nictitating membrane that allows light to enter the eye so that they will awaken when predators are approaching. An impressive feature is their bright red colored eyes with vertical slits.
#Purple tree frog species skin#
Their skin is smooth with little to no bumps, another feature which helps the frog blend into their leafy surroundings. Their feet are bright orange and have suction cups which help them adhere to the bottom of leaves where they spend most of their time. Adult individuals are distinctively colored, with bright green bodies, light blue or cream colored bellies, and blue and yellow stripes along their sides. In terms of size, males reach about 2 inches while females grow to 3 inches and are the larger of the two. These frogs have a distinct temperature requirement and need a body of water to reproduce, and are thus only found in humid lowlands and rainforests of South and Central America.Īgalychnis callidryas is an easily recognizable species due to its colorful appearance. This response is extremely specific, and mostly occurs only at vibrational patterns associated with predators. callidryas embryos may hatch early and fall into the water to escape predation.
If faced with the vibrational cues associated with predators, A. If disturbed, the frog flashes its bright red eyes, which may startle predators and allow the frog to escape.Īlong with its visual appearance, phenotypic plasticity in hatching is another interesting feature of A. During the day, the frog uses its green back to camouflage amongst the leaves, this camouflage being its only defense. Its bright coloration can thus be more attributed to camouflage amongst the greenery of the surrounding jungle, as well as the “startle reflex,” which it can use to dissuade predators. The males of this species are smaller than the females, and they display non-random mating patterns which suggest female choice for specific types of male.ĭespite its bright coloration, the red-eyed tree frog is not poisonous. Like all the frogs in its genus, they are nocturnal and do most of their hunting for insects at night. They mate and reproduce near ponds, and are therefore found in lowland wet areas found in tropical forests. It has a white underside, brightly red and orange colored feet, and is named after its distinctive bright red eyes.Īgalychnis callidryas is an arboreal frog with long limbs and webbed toes.
This species is known for its bright coloration, namely its vibrant green body with blue and yellow stripes on the side. It is native to forests from Central America to north-western South America. Agalychnis callidryas, commonly known as the red-eyed tree frog, is a species of frog in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae.
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