A small and charming amphibian native to Central America, particularly in the regions of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. This frog is known for its vibrant green color, which helps it blend seamlessly with the leaves and foliage of its forest home. Its skin is smooth and moist, perfect for living in humid environments. One of the most striking features of Morelet’s tree frog is its large, black eyes with horizontal pupils, giving it a distinctive and somewhat curious expression. These big eyes are not just for show; they are excellent for night vision, allowing the frog to be active and hunt for food in the dark.

The frog’s body is compact and agile, with long, slender limbs that end in wide, sticky toe pads. These pads act like suction cups, enabling the frog to cling to and move effortlessly along branches, leaves, and even glass surfaces. Morelet’s tree frog spends a lot of its time in the trees, only coming down occasionally to breed or find new territory. It has a melodious and somewhat gentle croak, which it uses to communicate with other frogs, especially during the breeding season.

Morelet’s tree frog has a unique way of protecting itself from predators. When threatened, it can inflate its body to appear larger and more intimidating. Additionally, its bright green color can act as a warning signal to potential predators about the toxins present in its skin. These toxins can be irritating and even harmful if ingested, making the frog a less appealing meal.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Belize

2016

El Salvador

2016

Guatemala

2016

Honduras

2016

Mexico

2016