Amphibian

Black-eyed Tree Frog

Agalychnis moreletii

Also known as Morelet's Tree Frog, Black-eyed Leaf Frog, Popeye Hyla

Black-eyed tree frogs spend the daylight hours glued motionless to broad leaves in the canopy, tucked so tightly their lime-green skin blends seamlessly into the foliage. At dusk, they awaken to reveal deep black irises lacking colored rings, along with vibrant pink, orange, or yellow flanks and thighs. Females deposit clutches of gelatinous eggs on leaves dangling directly over forest pools, allowing freshly hatched tadpoles to drop cleanly into the water below.

ArborealNocturnal

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—observations

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VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyMoths, Crickets, Beetles

Predators

Cat-eyed snakes
Arboreal birds
Tarantulas

ThreatsChytridiomycosis fungal disease, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural clearing

HabitatsSubtropical and tropical moist montane and lowland cloud forests

Life span5–10 years

Classification

FamilyPhyllomedusidae
SpeciesAgalychnis moreletii

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for uniform emerald-green upperparts, completely dark black eyes, and bright yellow-orange inner flanks.
Support conservation: Maintain a hands-off approach to prevent cross-contamination of pathogens between aquatic breeding sites.

Responsible observation

Night Spotting: Scan vegetation near calm forest pools after dark with a dim or red headlamp.
Hygiene Protocol: Never handle wild individuals, as skin contact can spread lethal amphibian pathogens.
Listen for Calls: Locate breeding adults by listening for short, guttural clucking sounds on rainy nights.

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