Red eyed tree frog
Color plays a very significant role for the Red-eyed Tree Frog. Firstly, as disguise or camouflage. The colors help them blend into the natural environment and avoid predators looking for a meal. They have the ability to change from bright green to brown or a dark reddish when exposed to darker objects such as soil and tree trunks.
Red-eyed Tree Frog's also use another clever trick. While sleeping during the day, they tuck in their colorful parts, close their eyes, and remain completely hidden by only their green color when nestled along a leaf. That way, they blend in with the natural vegetation and avoid being detected.
The red eyes and orange feet of the tree frog play a roll as well. While resting they keep their eyes closed. Once a predator comes along and the tree frog senses it, they flash open their eyes and show their bright, orange feet to throw the predator off and allow themselves valuable time to escape. This is called startle coloration, a form of self defense.
All these colorful adaptations enable the Red-eyed Tree Frog to live up to an estimated 5 years in the wild.
Photograph by Christian Darrell Ramirez
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