FaunaHub

Tree Frog (multiple families)

AmphibianFrogArboreal

Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) on a leaf in Costa Rica.

Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas), Costa Rica.

Image: Bernard Gagnon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

“Tree frog” is a common name for frogs that live in trees and shrubs, a way of life that has evolved in several different frog families rather than a single group. What unites them is climbing: most have expanded, sticky toe pads that grip leaves and bark. The animal shown here is the red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) of Central America, a famous reference species.

Tree frogs range from large, vividly coloured species to small, drab ones, and are found on most continents wherever there is suitable vegetation and moisture.

Conservation note: some tree frogs are common while others are threatened, and amphibians as a whole face serious global pressures from habitat loss and disease. Verify a particular species' status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Tree frogs live in forests, woodlands, wetlands, and gardens across much of the world, climbing in trees, shrubs, and reeds. They depend on moisture and on water for breeding, and many descend to ponds or temporary pools to lay eggs.

Diet

Tree frogs are carnivores, feeding mainly on insects and other small invertebrates that they catch with a quick flick of the tongue. As with most frogs, the tadpole stage is typically aquatic and feeds differently before metamorphosis.

Behavior

Most tree frogs are nocturnal, hiding by day and becoming active at night to feed and call. Males of many species produce loud breeding calls, especially after rain. Climbing toe pads, strong legs, and (in some species) bright “flash” colours that appear when they leap are characteristic adaptations.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Tree frogs are popular subjects in nature photography and education, and some are kept in captivity. The biggest concerns for wild populations are habitat loss, pollution, and amphibian diseases such as chytrid fungus. For current, species-specific status, consult authoritative sources such as AmphibiaWeb and the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the tree frog

Red-eyed tree frog clinging to a stem, showing red eyes and orange feet.

Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas).

Image: Careyjamesbalboa (Carey James Balboa), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tree Frog

Are all tree frogs closely related?
Not necessarily. "Tree frog" is a lifestyle-based common name; arboreal frogs have evolved in several different families. So tree frogs from different parts of the world can look similar yet be only distantly related, sharing climbing adaptations through convergent evolution.
How do tree frogs climb?
Most tree frogs have enlarged, disc-like toe pads that produce a strong, reversible grip on smooth surfaces like leaves, helped by mucus and clinging forces. Combined with grasping feet and strong legs, this lets them move confidently through vegetation.
What do tree frogs eat?
Tree frogs are carnivores that mainly eat insects and other small invertebrates, captured with a fast, sticky tongue. Their aquatic tadpoles feed differently before transforming into froglets.
Why does the red-eyed tree frog have red eyes?
The startling red eyes are thought to play a role in "startle" defense: when disturbed, the frog can suddenly open its eyes and reveal bright colours, which may momentarily confuse a predator and give the frog a chance to leap away.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.