After looking at a bright and colourful frog yesterday, I thought we would take a slightly different approach today. You will quickly notice that the Glass Frog, which is also known as the See-Through Frog isn’t nearly as colourful and you can actually see through it. Being able to see through an animal may even be more interesting then possessing all the colours of the rainbow. If you want to take a look through this little guy then pack your bags since the plane for the tropical forests of Central and South America is leaving in 20 minutes.
As mentioned, the most fascinating feature about this frog is their unique skin. While most of the 60 Glass Frog species have a lime green colour to them, there are a few that actually have translucent skin. Yep, this means you can actually see their organs without paying for expensive x-rays. Typically, you are able to see their liver, heart and GI Tract without too much difficulty. Just think of how many frogs lives could be spared from being dissected in Grade 9 science class.
For the most part these lime green to translucent frogs can be found hanging out in the trees. They can often be found in the mountainous cloud forests of Central and South America . although, some species have also been known to occupy areas in the Amazon rainforest and even in a few semi-deciduous forests. I know if I had clear skin that I would want to be near cover at all times. Just imagine how much a sunburn on your liver or heart would hurt.
When it comes time to lay their eggs the Glass Frog will deposit them on the leaves of trees overhanging the mountain rivers and creeks. It may seem silly for a frog to lay its eggs in a tree but this method actually does provide their eggs some protection from predators. Naturally, the eggs will hatch and the tadpoles will fall into the fast moving creeks and streams. At this point, life will start all over again.
Glass Frog Fast Fact – Although depositing their eggs in trees will protect them from predators, it does make them more susceptible to parasites. As a result some species will actually take care of their eggs before they hatch. I have always said that you should be responsible for the eggs you leave in trees.
I guess this means we only have one Wild Frog Fact left. Make sure you tune in for Friday’s fact as it will be a hopping good time.
I think that is so fascinating. Are these at all like the little tree frogs in Puerto Rico? I’ve never seen one of them up close but I’ve certainly heard the chattering they make which is like a dull roar!!! I’ve been kept awake by tem when I visit Puerto Rico, they are that noisy!!
Hi Carmen,
My guess is you are talking about the “Coqui” frogs which is the common name for several frog species endemic to Puerto Rico. The Common Coqui and the Mountain Coqui are known to have very loud sounding males. Of course, they like to make these noises during the night.
The Glass Frog is in a different family then the Coqui Frogs so they are not exactly alike. Both types of frogs have some cool features though. I would love to hear the Coqui sound but I am sure I would be annoyed after awhile 🙂
Thanks for the story and the great question!
I want one of those!
I don’t blame you, Grace. They look pretty cool (inside and out).
So it’s the male coquis in Puerto Rico that make all the noise! Courting the ladies, I guess. It’s cute for awhile but it’s incessant and can, ultimately, get aggravating because you can’t turn it off until they are ready to stop!