The Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Meet the Red-Eyed Tree Frog: The Icon of the Rainforest
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog is one of Costa Rica’s most photographed animals. Its bright green body, blue and yellow sides, and unmistakable red eyes make it the symbol of the country’s incredible biodiversity. You’ll see its image on postcards, tour brochures, and murals everywhere…and for good reason. Spotting one in the wild, clinging to a leaf after dark, is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Costa Rica’s rainforests.
These frogs are native to Central America and are especially common in Costa Rica’s humid lowlands and rainforests. They are a favorite on guided night walks, where their bright colors and sleepy daytime poses make them easy to identify once a guide’s flashlight finds them.
Key Facts
Size: 4 to 7 cm (1.5 to 2.7 inches)
Weight: 6 to 15 grams (0.2 to 0.5 ounces)
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years in the wild
Diet: Small insects like crickets, flies, and moths
Activity: Nocturnal and arboreal (tree-dwelling)
Interesting Facts About Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
The Red-Eyed Tree Frog uses its bright colors as camouflage and protection. During the day, it sleeps with its eyes closed and legs tucked in, blending perfectly with green leaves. When startled, it opens its vivid red eyes and flashes its bright blue and yellow sides to confuse predators.
Their red eyes help the frog to see clearly in low light, which is essential for moving and hunting at night.
These frogs are great jumpers, leaping distances more than ten times their body length. They stick to leaves using specialized pads on their toes, which act like tiny suction cups.
Males make soft “chack” calls at night to attract females, especially during the rainy season when breeding peaks. Females lay eggs on leaves hanging over water, and when the tadpoles hatch, they drop straight into the pond below.
Habitat and Behavior
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs live in humid lowland and mid-elevation forests, usually near rivers, ponds, and lagoons. They are active only at night, spending their days resting on the undersides of large leaves.
They are harmless, shy, and rely on camouflage to stay safe. During the rainy season, they are more active and easier to find, as their calls and mating activity increase.
Because they are so photogenic, they are one of the top animals guides look for during night tours. Even if you’ve seen pictures of them before, nothing compares to seeing one in person, with its eyes glowing bright red against the dark rainforest.
Where to See Red-Eyed Tree Frogs in Costa Rica
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are found in many parts of Costa Rica, especially in the humid regions on both coasts. Some of the best places to see them include:
La Fortuna: Night Walk and Rainforest Frog Tour, a guided evening hike where you can see frogs, insects, and sleeping birds up close
Cahuita National Park, a great option for families who want to explore safely with a local guide in a rich wildlife area
Tortuguero: Jungle Tour by Boat, an exciting way to see frogs, and caimans from the comfort of a guided boat
Guided night tours make it easy to see these frogs safely and respectfully. If we do not provide the tour ourselves, you will see we have included links to other tour operators that offer sightings. We have personally been on these tours ourselves and enjoyed them! :)
