Origin

Sub-Saharan Africa

Habitat

Open woodlands & grasslands

Average Size

1 - 1.5 inches

Life Span

Up to 5 years

General Information

Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, Agalychnis callidryas, are one of the most popular and most attractive tree frogs available in the hobby today. Red-Eyes originate from tropical rainforests from Veracruz in the Oaxaca province of Mexico to Panama and Costa Rica in Central America. These frogs have the same physical characteristics of the genus Phyllomedusa, with a rather elongated body with long limbs and a large, blunt head relative to the body. The average Red-Eye reaches 2 to 3 inches in length, with females being the larger of the two sexes. Red-Eyes generally have a uniform lime green color on the top of the body and a white underside with reticulated blue and white markings of the sides and orange toes. This species' most notable feature is their bulbous, blood-red eyes.

Proper Caging and Environment Size

A pair of Red-Eyed Tree Frogs can be kept comfortably in a 10 gallon tank, although a larger tank can be used. The frogs will often be much more active when given a larger living space so this can make keeping these frogs that much more enjoyable for the keeper.

Heat and Lighting

Red-Eyes should be kept in the mid-70s and low-80s. These frogs do not require any special UV lighting in order to thrive. A standard fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulb should still be used to provide a photoperiod as well as to provide light for any live plants in the tank. If you have live plants in the vivarium, then you may need a bulb that puts out brighter light depending on the species of plants.

Substrate

Red-Eyes do well on a number of substrates including shredded coconut fiber and sphagnum moss. The substrate should be about 2-4 inches in depth so as any live plants have room to grow. If plants are going to be in the vivarium, a drainage layer made up of small pea sized gravel should be added below the coconut fiber or sphagnum layer.

Water

Water should be provided through daily mistings. Misting once or twice a day with high quality, dechlorinated water should be sufficient. In order to provide adequate humidity in the tank, a glass canopy should be used. Another thing to consider with a humid tank is air flow. A small computer fan can be used to help keep the air in the tank from becoming stagnant.

Live Plants

All frogs greatly benefit from having live plants in the vivarium. They increase air flow and quality as well as increase the humidity of the tank. Some good plants for these frogs include Philodendron, Sansevaria, and Pothos as well as any other tropical large leaved plants.

Branches

These tree frogs will benefit from having numerous branches to climb and perch on. These branches can be oriented any which way and should be approximately the same width as the frog.

Feeding

The diet of these frogs consists of just about any insect small enough that they can fit into their mouths. This includes crickets, waxworms (these should be fed sparingly as they are high in fat), small cockroaches, and other small insects. It is best to offer your Red-Eyes as varied a diet as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, please call to speak with one of our reptile room employees at 717-299-5691 ext.1240.