Facts about Glass Frogs
- 07
Glass frogs belong to the family Centrolenidae, which contains over 150 described species distributed across Central and South America.
- 06
Nuptial pads on male glass frogs' thumbs secrete adhesive mucus during breeding season, allowing them to grip females firmly during amplexus.
- 05
Their bright green coloration comes from yellow and blue pigments layered in skin cells, which combine to create the vibrant hue visible in many glass frog species.
- 04
Most glass frog species measure between 20 and 30 millimeters in length, making them among the smallest tree frogs in their rainforest habitats.
- 03
Reflexes in glass frogs allow them to flatten their bodies and press against leaf surfaces within milliseconds when threatened by predators.
- 02
Central American glass frogs lay their eggs on leaves above streams, and males guard the clutches for up to 15 days until tadpoles hatch and drop into the water below.
- 01
Transparent skin on the belly of glass frogs allows observers to see their beating hearts and eggs through the amphibians' bodies.