The Scoop

Monkey Frogs

Red-eyed tree frogs (or RET frogs) are found in southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and in northern South America. These colorful frogs make their home in lowland rainforest areas near ponds, streams and rivers. They hide in the rain forest canopy and will be found near water sources that their young, called tadpoles, will need to survive. While their body is a bright shade of green, these frogs are well known for their bulging red eyes, beautiful blue streaks and large orange toes. Their hands and feet are adapted to grasp the smallest of twigs. They are commonly known as “monkey frogs” for their jumping abilities.

Red-eyed tree frogs sleep by day while stuck to leaf-bottoms with their eyes closed. When disturbed, they flash their bulging red eyes revealing their huge, webbed orange feet and bright blue-and-yellow flanks. This scares away any animal that is hunting them and gives the frog time to leap away to safety. Red-eyed tree frogs are less than 3 inches long…about the height of a teacup. They will lay clutches of eggs on the underside of leaves that are standing above a water source. These nighttime eaters feast on flies, crickets, moths, grasshoppers, and sometimes even smaller frogs!

Red-eyed tree frogs are not considered endangered at this time. However face a loss of habitat due to deforestation in their native areas.