There are at least 60 different types of glass frogs and, as one might expect, their appearance can differ in the details, however, most share common characteristics. Glass frogs are lime green with translucent abdominal skin that, upon close inspection, will allow a viewer to see its organs, including its intestinal tract, heart, and liver. Glass frogs range in size from 1.2 to 3 inches in length. The translucent skin of the Glass frog is thought to be a trait evolved for the purposes of camouflage. Indeed, these tiny creatures truly do seem to melt into the leaves. One can see why predators would have a tough time finding them. However, due to their small size, glass frogs are easy target for large predators such as snakes, mammals and birds.

Glass frogs make their home in the tropical rainforests and montane cloud forests of Central and South America. (Montane cloud forests are a type of forest characterized by persistent low-level cloud cover. They are also known as “mossy forests” and usually develop on the sides of mountains.) Glass frogs reside high up in the treetops of the forests they inhabit. They rarely venture down from the canopy. The Glass frog is nocturnal, spending its days asleep in the vegetation of the forest and its nights hunting for food. Glass frogs mainly feast upon spiders and soft-bodied insects. To catch their prey, Glass frogs hold their mouths open and leap forward, capturing their meal.

Fun Facts:

• Glass frogs sometimes eat their young.
• Glass frogs are sometimes mistaken for tree frogs but there is one easy way to tell the difference: the eyes of the tree frog are positioned on both sides of its head. The eyes of the Glass frog, however, are quite bright and face straight ahead.
• Average lifespan of glass frog is usually between 10 and 14 years in the wild.