At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, long-limbed tree frog with smooth skin and sticky toe pads
A lean climbing frog with long legs, webbed toes ending in suction-like pads and smooth skin kept moist by mucus glands. Its huge red eyes have vertical pupils and are covered by a see-through third eyelid when the frog rests. Females are clearly larger than males.12
Personality what they are like
A quiet, nocturnal frog that rests motionless through the day and wakes at dusk to hunt. It is a watch-and-enjoy pet rather than one for frequent handling.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active at night, climbing and leaping between branches and leaves while searching for insects.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs consistently humid air, around 80 percent or higher, and a tall enclosure with plenty of leaves and branches to climb and sleep on. Keep it mostly as a display animal.12
Home where they are happiest
Tall, planted rainforest-style terrarium with broad leaves, climbing branches and a water area, kept warm and very humid to match its humid lowland forest home.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Insectivore. Adults eat flying and hopping insects such as moths, crickets, katydids, grasshoppers and flies.123
Company who they like around
A social, sedentary species in the wild that gathers near ponds in the breeding season; males call and wrestle to win females.21
The story where it all began
Edward Drinker Cope described the frog in 1862 under the name Hyla callidryas. Thanks to its vivid colours it has become a widely used symbol of tropical rainforests and their conservation.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
When disturbed, it suddenly opens its red eyes and shows its orange feet and blue-yellow flanks, a 'startle display' that can confuse a predator for a moment.1
- 2
Unhatched embryos can hatch early when they sense the particular vibrations of a predator or flood.1
- 3
Males shake branches to signal to rivals, one of the first documented cases of tree-dwelling vertebrates communicating by vibration.1
- 4
Females lay clutches of about 40 eggs on the underside of leaves hanging over water, so the tadpoles drop straight into the pond.2
- 5
Its skin colour can shift from leaf green to reddish brown depending on its mood.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern1
- CITES
- Appendix II2
- Taxonomy
- Described by Edward Drinker Cope in 1862 as Hyla callidryas1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Red-eyed Tree Frog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- MistingKeep the humidity upevery day
- Fresh waterDechlorinated waterevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- FeedingHow often depends on species and agevaries
- Spot cleanevery 2 days
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Red-eyed Tree Frog?
Feeding frequency depends on the frog's age and size, so check with your vet or a good breeder for a schedule. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding as part of daily care, but amounts vary. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Red-eyed Tree Frog eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats insects like moths, crickets, katydids, grasshoppers and flies. Never feed it anything that isn't an insect, and avoid wild-caught bugs that may carry pesticides. Ask your vet for a safe, varied insect diet.123
How much space does a Red-eyed Tree Frog need?
It needs a tall, planted rainforest-style terrarium with broad leaves and climbing branches, since it leaps and climbs at night. The exact size varies with the frog's size, so consult a good breeder or vet for your setup.12
What temperature, light or water does a Red-eyed Tree Frog need?
Keep the enclosure warm and very humid, around 80 percent or higher, with a water area and dechlorinated water. It needs consistent humidity and a day-night cycle, but specific temperatures vary, so ask your vet for exact ranges.12 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Red-eyed Tree Frog's home?
Spot clean every couple of days and do a full clean monthly, as Furry Diary's plan suggests. This keeps the humid environment healthy. Adjust based on how dirty it gets, and check with your vet if unsure. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Red-eyed Tree Frog live with others?
Yes, it's a social species that gathers near ponds in the wild, and males call and wrestle for females. Keeping a small group can work, but watch for competition and ask a breeder about proper group sizes.12
How long does a Red-eyed Tree Frog live?
It typically lives 4 to 8 years with proper care. Providing the right humidity, diet and habitat helps it thrive. For individual longevity, ask your vet.23
Can I handle a Red-eyed Tree Frog?
It's a watch-and-enjoy pet rather than one for frequent handling, as it's quiet and rests during the day. Handling can stress it, so keep it mostly as a display animal. If you must handle it, do so gently and rarely.123
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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American Green Tree Frog
White's Tree FrogWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Agalychnis callidryas - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, status, size, description, behaviour, history, fun facts
- Agalychnis callidryas - Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) animaldiversity.orgused for size, weight, lifespan, habitat, diet, reproduction, CITES
- Red-eyed tree frog - National Geographic nationalgeographic.comused for size, lifespan, range, diet, startle colouration
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.