Edited: June 2021

 

The red-eyed frog

You’ll probably meet her during your journey across Costa Rica, this tiny little frog will indeed, make you think about

How amazing nature is. Also, know as “Agalychnis Callidryas” in scientific nerd language.

Here some colorful facts that may interest you:

#1 Froggin’ by night

During the day, the red-eyed tree frog hides its colors and sleeps stuck under leaves on top of the trees, where it blends into the foliage perfectly sometimes, the frog will even have tiny yellow spots that resemble leaf blemishes.

At night, when they’re less at risk of becoming a meal, the frogs are much more active; they spend the time hunting for insects. 

Red-eyed frog nightime

#2 Safety Eyes

The most prominent features of the frog, however, are its bright red eyes and orange feet.

These colorful body parts actually serve to protect the animal from potential predators. If the frog senses an imminent threat, it opens its eyes wide and displays its toes.

This sudden splash of color often shocks larger creatures like birds and snakes, giving the red-eyed tree frog the time it needs to hop away to safety… a smart move!

Red-eyed tree frog

#3 Want a ride with a green date?

Once the female has selected her mate, the pair will go into Amplexus: the female will carry the male around on her back for the course of the egg-laying process.

After the male hops on, the female draws in water that she uses to lay her gel-like eggs. After she lays her eggs on the bottom of a leaf, the male fertilizes them externally. 

So if you are a frogs lover or just a curious traveler, you may be able to spot the creature when visiting Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, or, The Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Did you know that raining season means mating season for frogs?

Between May and June, Males climb down from their trees and gather around bodies of water; once it finds the perfect location, he will start calling. At this point, the females will descend from the trees and respond to the calls.

In Costa Rica, during this process, you can see literally hundreds of frogs around a body of water.  

Red-eyed frog