Today, it appeared on our veranda! Although this frog is most commonly associated with Costa Rica—almost becoming an ambassador for the country, since it graces everything from book covers to souvenirs and features prominently in nature documentaries—it’s not something we see very often. Perhaps that’s because it’s nocturnal and often rests under large leaves during the day. But today, there it was on our veranda: the 6-8 cm red-eyed tree frog, with its fantastic and unique features.
Despite its vibrant colors, Agalychnis callidryas can quickly blend into its surroundings and become a more inconspicuous frog. When I first encountered it, I tried to sneak up to get a good photo. I almost thought I had lost it when I suddenly photographed what seemed to be a completely grayish frog and looked up from the camera lens in surprise. But it was indeed the same individual! I couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at how effectively the frog had managed to merge with its environment while evading an annoying paparazzi.
The frog's red eyes, its most developed sense, can also be camouflaged by a lower eyelid that folds up. This eyelid is gold-green, and the frog can see through it! Sometimes, I think this frog might be Costa Rica’s coolest. When threatened, it opens its eyes to confuse and scare off attackers with its coloration, which in nature signals toxicity. However, Agalychnis callidryas is not toxic; its color pattern is an example of mimicry. To protect itself, the frog mimics the appearance of another species that is perceived as dangerous or toxic.
Research into the amphibian populations in Costa Rica’s rainforests reveals a fascinating world. Unfortunately, these populations have suffered a dramatic decline due to climate change, atmospheric changes, and deforestation. Despite this, with patience, it is still possible to find some of Costa Rica's poison arrow frogs in Barbilla, such as the beautifully red poison arrow frog with blue legs, Dendrobates pumilio, also known as "blue-jeans." Likewise, Dendrobates auratus, the strikingly metallic green frog with black spots, can also be seen. But these frogs truly deserve their own blogs.
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