Geographic range:
Neotropical: Agalychnis callidryas can be found from south Mexico
and throughout most of Central America.
Physical
characteristics: The most striking feature of A. callidryas
is undoubtedly its big, bright red eyes, which might be an adaptation
to its nocturnal habits and possible component of a defensive strategy
called startle coloration. The dorsal area of the frog is usually
greenish, but can range from blue to yellow. The sides show cream
or yellow stripes on lighter blue background. Upper legs are bright
blue with bright orange or red feet. which bear large suction cup
toe pads allowing the frog to attach firmly to the surface. Coloration
of a young frog is more in shades of brown, turning to green when
maturity is reached. Young A. callidryas start out brown in coloring
and change to green as they mature to adult frogs.
Males of this species are reach around 5 cm in length and are generally
smaller than the females, that can grow up to 8 cm (snout - vent length).
Food habits: Agalychnis callidryas
are carnivorous night hunters. Main food items are insects, especially
crickets, moths, flies, grasshoppers, but even smaller frogs or anything
else that they can catch and fits their mouth.
Reproduction:
The reproduction period usually falls to the rainy season. Pre- mating
behavior includes vocalization. During the copulation, which occurs
on the underside of the leaves hanging over water surface, male holds
the female in amplexus and inseminates the eggs as they emerge from
the female, not leaving the female until all eggs have been laid.
Eggs are not deposited into the water, but are attached to the leaf.
After laying each clutch, the female has to return to water to fill
her bladder with water, which is crucial for the eggs to be sufficiently
humid. Failing to do so, the eggs could dry up and die. During these
short trips to water other males may see the couple entering and attempt
to force the male from the female's back.
When the clutches of eggs have developed into tadpoles, the eggs rupture
and the fluid released from the ruptured eggs helps to wash all the
tadpoles down the leaf and into the water body below.
Behavior:
Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal and rest during the day.
Habitat: Tropical rainforest areas, especially lowlands, particularly
in areas close to rivers.
Biomes:
tropical rainforest
Conservation:
These frogs are not considered threatened in their natural environment,
but global warming, deforestation, climatic and atmospheric changes,
wetland drainage, and pollution have caused dramatic declines in the
amphibian population in, and among the rainforests of Central and
South America. |
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