PREY The adult red-eyed tree forg has to be careful not to be captured by predators. Birds, snakes, bats, and spiders love to have a red-eyed tree frog for a meal. The fer-de-lance, a snake found in the rain forest, and the keel-billed toucan are two example of possible predators of the red-eyed tree frog.
Although the red-eyed tree frog has bright colors, and many animals with bright colors are often poisonous, the red-eyed tree frog is not. The bright colors could make potential predators think the frog is poisonous, though. If the red-eyed tree frog is surprised, it will open wide its red eyes and show its orange feet. Predators are startled, and this gives the red-eyed tree frog time to escape. This use of color to escape danger is called startle coloration. When the red-eyed tree frog is still a tadpole, it still has to watch out for predators. Fish, dragonflies, and water beetles love to eat tadpoles. Some animals like snakes like to eat the eggs of the red-eyed tree frog as well. |
PREDATOR Red-eyed tree frogs are carnivores. They like to eat many types of insects including crickets and moths. Sometimes the red-eyed tree frog has been known to even eat smaller frogs!
Since the red-eyed tree frog sleeps during the day (also called nocturnal), it must hunt food at night. The red-eyed tree frog will hide among the leaves, and ambush its food by grabbing it quickly with its long, sticky tongue. Although it is small, the red-eyed tree frog must eat frequently. Frogs kept in captivity as pets need to eat 3-4 crickets 2-3 times per week.
 The snake above is called a fer-de-lance. Click on the picture to find out more about reptiles in the rain forest.
 The bird in the picture above is called a keel-billed toucan. Click on the picture of the toucan to see a slide show about rain forest birds. |
