1. The Amazon Rainforest is full of life, bubbling with sounds of all kinds, from water rushing and falling, to animals trying to communicate with one another. It’s a busy place where animals are looking for food, trying to survive, and looking to expand their families. Within the Amazon Rainforest in South America, there exists one such tiny animal that is almost completely camouflaged from the rest of the animals, except for one small body part: bright red eyes!
2. This animal is known as the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and it lives deep in the tall trees within the Amazon. Although they reside mostly in South America, they can also be found in Central America and parts of Mexico.
3. Bright colors adorn the body of the adult Red-Eyed Tree frog. The main color is green, but there are also mixtures of yellow, orange, and even blue on its belly. The frog can change its colors based on its feelings or needs; the color often changes from green to reddish-brown.
4. On its toes are suction cups that help the Red-Eyed Tree Frog attach itself to its environment. They give the frog traction to stay put on wet leaves. Their legs are built better for climbing than for swimming, and they are almost never on the ground. They keep jumping around at a steady pace from tree to tree.
5. The physical properties of the Red-Eyed Tree Frog also make them different and help them survive. Unlike most humans, or even other animals, the male frog is actually smaller than the female. Male frogs only reach around two inches in length while the females can grow to be three inches. The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is a carnivore. Similar to other frogs, the tree frog eats grasshoppers, moths, and other insects. However, it eats smaller frogs too! It is known to eat almost anything that can fit in its mouth.
6. Many people find it fascinating to know that the red eyes are not just for looks; they help the frogs survive. In fact, the red eyes scare other animals easily and help these frogs escape their predators. With their greenish color skin, they tend to blend in with their surroundings. When they sleep, they are virtually invisible. However, if other animals see them and try to attack, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog will open its wide, red eyes, and the predators, which usually consist of snakes, birds, or bats, will scurry away.
7. In many cases, the predators may also be stunned into stillness at the sight of the red eyes, long enough for the frog to escape. The Red-Eyed Tree frog is a unique animal able to protect itself even though very small. With deadly predators and a dangerous environment surrounding it, the frog relies on camouflage and its bright red eyes to scare off unwanted guests and enemies.
