Many scientists believe the red-eyed tree frog developed its vivid scarlet peepers to shock predators into at least briefly questioning their meal choice.
Source: Nat Geo WILD
Colorful adaptation
These iconic rainforest amphibians sleep during the day trapped to the bottom of a leaf with their eyes closed and their body markings covered. When disturbed, they flash bulging red eyes and reveal huge, orange-webbed feet and bright blue and yellow flanks. This technique, known as startle coloring, can give a bird or snake pause, providing a precious moment for the frog to jump to safety.
Their neon green bodies may play a similar role in deterring predators. Many red-eyed tree frog carnivores are nocturnal predators that use their keen eyesight to find prey. The frog’s shocking colors can overstimulate a predator’s eyes, creating a puzzling ghostly image that exists behind as the frog jumps away.
Range and Habitat
The red-eyed tree frog, despite its conspicuous coloration, is not venomous. They are found in tropical lowlands from southern Mexico, throughout Central America and northern South America. Nocturnal carnivores, they hide in the rainforest canopy and ambush crickets, flies, and moths with their long, sticky tongues.
The red-eyed tree frog is not endangered. But their habitat is shrinking at an alarming rate, and their highly recognizable image is often used to promote the cause of saving the world’s rainforests.
