14 October 2013

Nocturne

 © Angi Wallace (2013)


 © Avi Abrams (2007)


 © Captain Tenneal (2013)


© Denis Richard (2013)


© Roy Niswanger (2009)


© Serguei Koultchitskii (2010)


The red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an amphibian native to rainforests in Central America.

During the day, red-eyed tree frogs mostly sleep, keeping their eyes closed to help camouflage themselves. If disturbed, a frog will abruptly reveal his red eyes, startling potential predators. This often gives the frog just enough time to jump away to safety. Red-eyed tree frogs have very strong suction cup toe pads that make them agile climbers. Adult males are only about 5 cm (2 inches) in length while the females tend to be larger at 7.5 cm (3 inches). Males croak and quiver, like a song and a dance, to attract females. These frogs change color according to their mood, from dark green to a reddish-brown.