Red-eyed Tree Frog - Agalychnis callidryas

 

			Red eyed leaf frogs are stunning animals to look at; however, they rarely display their beautiful colours when in captivity.  During the day the fold up their legs and close their eyes to conceal their bright colours from predators.   (Photo: Karen A. Rosborough)		Although they are extremely attractive when active, care must be taken not to disturb this species too much during the day.   Frequent handling and disturbance will stress Red-eyed Tree Frogs too much and their health will be compromised.  Resist the temptation to handle your frog unless you have to.  Instead, set the lighting up so that you can observe them at night under a black light, when they are naturally active.  (Photo:  Karen A. Rosborough)			This male Red-eyed Tree Frog illustrates why these frogs are so popular.  The striking colours on the sides, thighs, and feet of these animals - not to mention their eyes - make them an attractive animal indeed.   Unfortunately, the only time to see these colours is at night when they are active.   During the day these beautiful little frogs hide all their colours and look completely green.  (Photo: Karen A. Rosborough)

 

General Information

 

Distribution — Southern Mexico through to eastern Panama.

 

Habitat — The Red-eyed Tree Frog inhabits tropical lowland forests and the forests on the slopes of tropical mountains.

 

Adult Size — Adult females attain snout-vent lengths of between 7 cm (2.5 inches). Males are slightly smaller - 5.5 cm (2.2 inches).

 

Temperament — Few frogs can be said to be difficult to manage and handle safely; however, Red-eyed Tree Frogs are excellent jumpers and care should be taken that they do not get injured while they are out of their enclosure.

 

Longevity — This species lives to be between 5-8 years old in captivity. Frequent handling - especially during the day - will seriously reduce the life span because it is extremely stressful.

 

Captive Care

 

Rating: 3 — Red-eyed Tree Frogs are frequently sold in the pet trade but not often bred in captivity. Their care is relatively easy however they are sensitive creatures and are more delicate than White's Tree Frogs. A domestically bred Red-eyed Tree Frog makes an good display animal. Not recommended for small children.

 

Diet: Juveniles - fruit flies, pinhead crickets, other small insects; Adults - small crickets.

 

Temperature: Up to 25C (85F) during the day and down to 15C (60F) at night.

 

Space: An adult can be housed a 10-15 gallon terrarium. However, a larger tank is ideal. It's better to house these animals in taller tanks instead of long tanks.

 

Breeding: Red-eyed Tree Frogs are usually bred in large enclosures in their natural habitat and then shipped to the US and Canada; however, breeding can be induced by simulating a rainy season after a long dry season. Suitable egg deposition sites must be present for the females. This species lays its eggs on surfaces overhanging water. When the tadpoles hatch, they drop into the water where they will feed. It's best to transfer the eggs carefully before they hatch and then raise tadpoles individually. For more information refer to the literature listed below.

 

Special Requirements: As mentioned above, this species does not accept being handled frequently. The stress often causes them to refuse food and may make them prone to illness. Furthermore, they are nocturnal animals and do not do well if disturbed during the day. To view these animals in action - at night - a black light should be used as all other lights will cause them to cease all activity. As with all amphibians, care should be taken to ensure that hands are clean and free of chemicals before handling.

 

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Bartlett, R.D. 1996. Frogs, Toads, and Treefrogs. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 104.

De Vosjoli, Philippe, Mailloux, Robert, and Drew Ready. 1996. The Care and Breeding of Popular Tree Frogs. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc. Santee, CA. Pp.80.

Mattison, Chris. 1993. Keeping and Breeding Amphibians. Cassell Publishing, London, UK. Pp. 224.

Staniszewski, Marc. 1995. Amphibians in Captivity. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune, New Jersey. Pp. 544.

Walls, Jerry G. 1996. Red-eyes and Other Leaf-Frogs. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune, New Jersey. Pp. 65.

 

 

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