Red Eyed Tree Frogs

If you liked this article, then LIKE this article here!

Common Group: TREE FROGS
Common Name: Red Eye Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Agalychnis callidryas
Distribution: Central America-S.America
Size: 1" - 2.5"

Red-Eyed Tree Frog Agalychnis callidryas

Natural History

Red-eyed tree frogs are among the most beautiful and widely recognized of all living amphibians. As a result of their natural glamour, these frogs are commonly featured in nature publications and in advertising. In addition to being the public’s favorite frog, red-eyes are also easy to keep in captivity and are just as common in the vivarium as they are on the billboards.

These medium sized tree frogs occur throughout the tropical forests of extreme Southern Mexico and the entirety of Central America. They are locally common, and can often be both seen and heard at night when they are most active. Strictly arboreal, red-eyed tree fogs make their homes in the forest canopies and during the day seek shelter amongst the dense, tropical foliage.

Size and Longevity

Mature red-eyed tree frogs are typically between 2 and 2 and a half inches in total length. Females are almost always larger (both in length and bulk), making size one way to differentiate the sexes.

Figures regarding the longevity of this species in the wild are lacking, but they are a hardy species in captivity. Relative to their size, red-eyes can be considered a long-lived tree frog. When properly maintained, life spans of up to 10 years are common.

Housing

Standard all-glass reptile terrariums make ideal enclosures for red-eyed tree frogs. These habitats are easy to clean, available in many different sizes, and retain heat and humidity well. A secure screen top is advisable. This allows for proper ventilation as well as for the proper placement of any necessary light fixtures.

An enclosure no smaller than that of a standard 20-gallon terrarium is recommended for these frogs once adult size is achieved. As many as 3 or 4 of these communal frogs will thrive in such an environment. In smaller enclosures the animals may injure themselves if they leap across the cage and hit the enclosure wall.

Younger animals may be housed in smaller enclosures, but they grow rapidly, and will require larger quarters quite quickly.

Heating and Lighting

As a tropical species, red-eyed tree frogs should be provided with moderately warm temperatures during the day. Ambient cage temperatures should not exceed the mid-80's, with temperatures between 78 and 84 being optimal. Nighttime temperatures can safely drop into the upper-60's, but slightly warmer nocturnal environments are advised for smaller specimens.

In most parts of the country, little or no supplemental heating will be required during the warmer months of the year. However, if the temperatures within the home drop below those recommended above, extra heat will need to be provided.

Low wattage heat bulbs and heating pads are ideal, as they provide gentle heat without being overly drying. Red or nocturnal bulbs are excellent choices as they can be left on at night and can provide a 24 hour heat source for the frogs.

Specialized full spectrum lighting is not mandatory for these frogs to thrive in captivity, but they can benefit from some low output UVB lighting. Use of these lights not only makes it easier to view the animals, but can be used to help grow and maintain a planted tank in addition to providing UVB for the frogs.

Substrate and Furnishings

The substrate used for red-eyed tree frogs should be one that promotes healthy levels of humidity but also one that is easy to clean and resistant to mold and fungus. Coconut husk products such as EcoEarth, CocoSoft chips, compressed coconut bricks, or coconut chips are all an ideal choice. Other acceptable choices include cypress mulch, orchid bark, and sphagnum moss.

Red-eyed tree frogs are arboreal and will require a variety of climbing and hiding structures within their habitat. Branchy sticks, cork flats, cork rounds, and both live and artificial plants should be used to create a comfortable and naturalistic environment for these frogs.

When choosing plants (live or plastic), opt for those with large, broad leaves, as these are most similar to those used by the frogs in nature for shelter and sleeping. Additionally, any live plants should be of a species that is tolerant of high heat and humidity, and certain lighting considerations may need to be taken if these plants are to thrive.

Water and Humidity

A large, shallow water dish should always be provided for these animals. While they rarely swim, the large surface area of the water will increase ambient cage humidity and provide an emergency retreat for the frogs should the enclosure become too hot.

Humidity levels within the enclosure should be moderate to high. However, the enclosure contents should not be allowed to become soggy. Rather, one should devise a misting schedule that allows the habitat to remain quite moist for a number of hours, and nearly dry prior to being misted again.

For the vast majority of situations, spraying the contents of the enclosure (substrate, furnishings, cage walls, etc.) twice daily should be sufficient. Hand spray bottles are fine, but automated misting systems are available for more elaborate set-ups or for when the keeper may be away for an extended period of time. In addition to these, a reptile fogger can be used to increase humidity in a very aesthetically pleasing way. The fog can also act as a cooling system during the warmest summer months.

Nutrition

Red-eyed tree frogs are insectivores, and in captivity will thrive on a diet of appropriately sized crickets and other readily available feeder insects. While some adult frogs will accept a variety of worms, most frogs prefer crickets during all life stages.

Care should be taken that food items are not too large for the animal intended to eat them. While adult red-eyes are more than capable of swallowing even the largest crickets, baby specimens will need tiny crickets, no more than a quarter of an inch long.

All food items should be dusted regularly with a high quality calcium/vitamin D3 supplement. This is especially important for young, growing frogs which should receive supplementation at every feeding. Larger frogs can receive this supplement less frequently, as they are done growing and in little danger of metabolic disorders.

In addition to the calcium supplement mentioned above, a reptile multi-vitamin should be utilized as well. Available as a powder (like the calcium), it should be lightly dusted on the prey items once or twice a week.

Always consult the label of both the calcium and vitamin supplement for proper dosing information, as they vary from one manufacturer to another.

Handling

Like most frogs, red-eyes do not tolerate excessive handling. While they are harmless and can be safely handled for brief periods of time, they should not be acquired as a "hands-on" pet. In addition to being stressful for the animal, frogs have sensitive skin that can easily absorb pathogens or toxins from our hands.