Other Names (How it Got Its Names) Common names: Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Red-Eyed Leaf Frog. Named for its striking bright red eyes, used as a startle display against predators. Agalychnis means “splendid or shining frog,” and callidryas comes from Greek roots meaning “beautiful tree nymph.” Characteristics Iconic arboreal frog recognized worldwide as a symbol of the rainforest. Nocturnal, resting by day on leaves with legs tucked in for camouflage. Known for its bright colors and dramatic eye-flash defense behavior. Recommended Vivarium Size Minimum: 18” x 18” x 24” for 2–3 frogs. Larger vertical enclosures are preferred. Provide branches, cork, and large-leaf plants (like philodendron or pothos) for perching and egg deposition. Temperature Daytime: 75–82°F (24–28°C). Nighttime: 68–74°F (20–23°C). Avoid sustained temps above 85°F. Humidity 70–90%, maintained with daily misting. Provide good ventilation along with live plants and a shallow water source. Size of Frog Adults: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm). Females larger than males. Life Span 8–12 years in captivity with proper care. Feeding Diet: crickets, roaches, moths, and other appropriately sized insects. Feed 3–4 times per week. Dust prey with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week. Color/Pattern Bright green dorsal coloration, often with blue and yellow vertical striping on the flanks. Orange or red feet. Striking bright red eyes with vertical pupils. Social Behavior Can be kept in small groups if enclosure is large and well-structured. Males call at night, especially during breeding conditions. Generally not aggressive. How to Determine Sex Males: smaller, develop nuptial pads on forearms, and produce mating calls. Females: larger, bulkier, especially when carrying eggs. How to Breed Triggered by simulated rainy-season conditions (increased misting, slightly higher humidity, and rain chamber setups). Males call loudly at night to attract females. Eggs are laid on leaves overhanging water; upon hatching, tadpoles drop into the water below. Tadpoles develop in aquatic setups until metamorphosis. 🌿 This is one of the most beginner-friendly tree frogs because of its hardiness, popularity, and recognizable beauty — often considered a “flagship species” for amphibian enthusiasts.
