Facts about Glass Frogs

The glass frog, also known as the “see-through frog,” is a type of frog distinguished by its translucent skin. Glass frogs come in 60 different varieties. They can be found in southern Mexico, Central and South America. Glass frogs prefer to live in tropical rainforests, usually high above the water in the treetops. Certain glass frog species are threatened by habitat loss. Glass frogs can be kept as pets, but they need special care and climate conditions to thrive in a terrarium.

The size of glass frogs varies according to species. Smaller species are typically 0.78 inches in length. Larger species can grow to be 3 inches long.

The body of a glass frog is usually bright green or olive green. It can have black, white, blue, or green spots on it. Translucent skin covers the belly of the glass frog.

When the glass frog is examined from the bottom, the liver, heart, and intestines can be seen. Certain species’ bones are green or white in color.

Scientists believe that the specific type of skin serves as a form of camouflage, preventing predators from easily identifying the glass frog (especially when they sit motionless on the leaves).

The glass frog is sometimes confused with the tree frog. Glass frogs, unlike tree frogs, have large, forward-facing eyes. Tree frogs have eyes on both sides of their heads.

Excellent vision allows for easy detection of potential prey. The carnivorous glass frog (meat-eater). It feeds on soft-bodied insects and various types of spiders.

Glass frogs are an important part of the ecosystem because they keep insect populations in check.

Glass frogs are an easy target for large predators due to their small size. Glass frogs’ main predators are snakes, mammals, and birds.

Glass frogs are nocturnal creatures. They are most active between dusk and early morning.

Glass frogs are territorial creatures. Males use vocalization to alert other males that the territory has been claimed. If intruders refuse to leave, territorial males will become aggressive and use force to drive unwanted males away.

Glass frogs are arboreal creatures (spend their lives in the trees). Only during mating season will they come to the ground.

Mating usually occurs after the rainy season or during light showers. The female lays 20 to 30 eggs on the underside of the leaves that dangle above the water.

Male glass frogs care for their young. They keep predatory insects and parasites away from the eggs.

After two weeks, the tadpoles hatch and fall into the water. Some glass frog species will burrow themselves in the ground until they reach adulthood. In the water, other species undergo metamorphosis.

In the wild, the average lifespan of a glass frog is between 10 and 14 years.