GLASS FROG

The glass frog is an endangered species. And absolutely stunning, so it would be a shame if we let it die out. Note the visible organs in this beautiful specimen.

Known as the hyalinobatrachium pellucidum (which means translucent skin), the glass frog, also referred to as the see-through frog, is part of the amphibian family Centrolenidae. About the size of a fingernail, the glass frog is native to Ecuador and the Amazonian slopes, but it also resides in many areas of Central and South America. Its most prominent feature is the transparent abdominal skin.

Classification

The earliest known report of the glass frog was recorded in 1872. By 1973 herpetologists John D. Lynch and William E. Duellman published a comprehensive paper further classifying the translucent amphibian. The field guide Zipcode Zoo indicates that the glass frog reproduces by laying eggs on vegetation that hangs over bodies of water with the tadpoles developing in streams. Some genus of glass frogs will lay eggs on rocks near waterfalls. While some frogs eat their young, some males are highly territorial and show parental care.

Appearance

Centrolenidae, the amphibian family of the glass frogs, are primarily lime green. The heart, liver and intestinal tract, can be seen through the transparent abdominal skin. Glass frogs have webbed fingers and toes. The length of Centrolenidae frogs ranges from 1.2 inches to 3 inches. Their eyes face forward (unlike frogs with walled or outward facing eyes).

Location

The glass frog is a freshwater creature that occupies tropical and subtropical forest territory and inland wetlands, including permanent rivers, streams, creeks and waterfalls.