Red Eye Tree Frog

Red Eye Tree Frog Latin name: Agalychnis callidryas

Southern Mexico to Eastern Panama

Males average about 2 to 2.5 inches (51 – 64 mm) snout-vent length. Females average 2.5 to 3

inches (64mm – 76 mm) snout-vent length.

All red eye tree frogs have their signature red eyes with vertical pupils and a green

back and a creamy white belly. Some specimens have white spots on their back as well. The feet

are yellow to orange in color. Color and size can vary depending on the geographic location the

frog comes from. Specimens from the northern part of the range tend to be slightly smaller with

blue display flanks. Specimens from the southern part of the range tend to be larger but have less

colorful display flanks.

Generally speaking, enclosures should be at least 10-gallons in size for a pair of

frogs. A good rule is to allow 5 gallons per frog kept. Cage tops should be half glass and

half screen to help keep humidity levels higher. If possible try to use enclosures that are

taller to allow these frogs places to climb and room for foliage.

These frogs do best at temperature ranges of 60° – 85° F (15° – 30° C), though

long periods of time at their temperature extremes can be unhealthy for the animals. They

do well with average daytime temperatures of about 75

Usually these animals do well at room temperature, but if needed, an under-tank

heater, low wattage incandescent bulb, or ceramic emitters can be used to raise the

temperature of the enclosure. In summer months steps need to be taken to keep the

enclosure cool, such as to make sure the enclosure is not in direct sunlight and to

circulate the air in the room with a fan or open window. UV light has not been proven to

be helpful or harmful to these animals but if your enclosure contains live plants you

should provide some light for the plants. A 12-hour photoperiod should be provided and

can be achieved by using a timer.

The substrate provided should be able to help hold higher humidity levels. A layer of

3 to 5 inches (76 – 127 mm) of substrate such as orchid bark or potting soil and

sphagnum moss can be used. If desired aquarium gravel can be used on the bottom level

for drainage.

Because these frogs come from a tropical rain forest, a higher humidity level of

60% to 70% is a must. Higher humidity levels can be maintained by regular mistings,

appropriate substrate, and partially cover the cage top. If water droplets begin to form on

the glass, the humidity is probably too high. Red eye tree frogs also love to climb on

broad-leaf plants such as

Like may amphibians, these tree frogs are insectivorous. Insects such as crickets, flies, fruit flies,

and just about anything smaller than their mouth. Crickets are usually the easiest and most readily

available food supply. When feed crickets it is important to gut load the crickets with a good diet

to provide the best nutrition for your frog. Fresh water should be provided in a dish for the frogs

because they will rehydrate themselves by soaking in the disk. They will often drink from the

water accumulated on the plants from misting as well.

It is important to mist these frogs on a regular basis. Depending on your local environment,

cage setup, and substrate you may have to mist as often as daily to only two to tree times a week.

Owners should also be wary of unfiltered tap water as it may contain substances harmful to your

frogs. It is best to use filtered and dechlorinated water for misting and drinking. The enclosure

should be spot cleaned as needed. The enclosure should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected

regularly to prevent mold from growing in the substrate. A 5% bleach solution makes an excellent

disinfectant. Be sure to rinse the enclosure thoroughly after disinfecting. As always, be sure to

wash your hands thoroughly after handling your frogs or any cage accessories