Red Eyed Tree Frogs
One of the great choices for experienced frog owners is that of red eyed tree frogs. Their medium size, beautiful coloration and congenial temperaments make them ideal pets although they do tend to be pricier than other frog types.
Being colorful in today’s world can make creature such as red eyed tree frogs stand out in a crowd. While most frogs are the well known grayish green or brownish color, this little tree dweller uses its beautiful coloration to disguise itself among leaves of the bushes and trees where it hunts. From its brilliant orange toes, summer blue inner legs, sides of blue with creamy white stripes, and a bright green head and back, the most striking feature of the red eyed tree frog is, well, its bright red eyes! Most likely due to the nocturnal nature of the creature, the red eyes are massive in their small heads.
Their unique colors enable the hunter to position its body within leaves and branches so that it is virtually invisible to its prey and its predators. The prey of the red eyed tree frog is mostly of the insect nature; moths, beetles, flies and crickets. Preferring habitats near the water, this type of diet would be advantageous! This frog, being nocturnal, hunts and feeds during the evening hours.
The colors of the red eyed tree frog do double duty as defense against predators. Snakes, small mammals, birds and bats are just a few of the creatures finding a meal of red eye tree frogs to be prime fare. With no venomous nature or built in attack mechanisms, the frog must depend upon its natural coloration to avoid being eaten, which it does in a couple of ways. The first defense is to be invisible, blending in with multi colored leaves, flowers and branches. When that defense fails, or if the small tree frog is surprised while napping, snapping open the membranes covering those immense bright red eyes just may confuse the predator long enough to enable the red eyed tree frog to leap quickly away to freedom.
When incessant croaking emanates from areas of standing water, it generally means that breeding season for the red eyed tree frog has arrived. The female lays her eggs on a leaf in the water; approximately 30-50 eggs at a time. The male fertilizes the eggs as they are being laid; a feat accomplished by latching onto the back of the female as she drops the eggs. The eggs undergo the mysterious process of life for the next five days, followed by the emergence of tiny, wriggling brown tadpoles. Making their way into the water, these tadpoles will feed as they mature; developing lungs and the necessary coloration while at the same time losing the tail.
Frog lovers will truly enjoy adding red eyed tree frogs to their pet collection. When in captivity, the owner must be sure to supply both the water and climbing habitat these little gems enjoy. Whether as a pet or a natural resource in the wild, this little frog is an interesting and colorful addition to life’s bounty.