Is the red eyed tree frog poisonous? The answer is no. Unlike many very colorful frogs, the red eyed tree frog is not poisonous. They rely on natural defenses to protect themselves against predators. As embryos, the red eyed tree frog is able to detect vibrations that alert it to danger. As adults, they rely on their brilliant color to startle predators.
Hatching Early for Survival
In recent findings, researchers have discovered that the red eyed tree frog senses danger through vibrations made by predators. It has been found that the eggs, which are laid in clutches covered by a gelatinous coating, can actually hatch days early to avoid further predator attack. When a snake bites into a clutch of eggs, the embryos sense the vibration and begin hatching and falling to the water.
This amazing discovery further formed the conclusion that the eggs know the difference between vibrations of predators such as snakes and those vibrations caused by natural sources like approaching storms. The embryos can hatch up to 30% sooner when attacked by a predator, thus saving themselves.
Startling Their Predators for Survival
Although faced with many predators, the red eyed tree frog is not poisonous. Instead, it depends on its brilliant coloring to startle the snakes, birds, small animals and other frogs that prey upon it. During the day, the red eyed tree frog closes one of its three eyelids to camouflage its eyes while still allowing sight.
The red eyed tree frog tucks its bright orange feet underneath its body, covering its blue and yellow side stripes as well. If a predator approaches the frog while it is at rest, the red eyed tree frog quickly opens its eyes, revealing their bright red color.
In addition to the eyes, the red eyed tree frog uncovers its legs and sides so that the predator gets a flash of color unexpectedly. This sudden burst of color startles the predator enough to pause, which is just enough time for the frog to escape.
The predator will be expecting the bright colors again when he hunts for the frog, but the frog has by then camouflaged itself among the leaves. Once again, the red eyed tree frog has escaped its predator using what is known as startle coloration.
So, is the red eyed tree frog poisonous? No, but they instinctively know how to detect and scare off predators. Of course, they are not always lucky. But without poisonous skin or secretions, the red eyed tree frog uses its best defenses against predators.
