Category

Land Animal

Location

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.

Gear

Canon EOS R5, RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM

Description

A red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) walks along a stem in controlled conditions. It was placed on the stem and proceeded to walk along it. Flash was used to freeze the action. It is not poisonous, its colouration probably being designed for camouflage among the foliage where it lives. Its bright orange feet have suction cups which enable it to cling onto leaves. The ability to hunker down and blend into the greenery is its only defence. If disturbed, it will flash its bright red eyes, orange webbed feet and blue and yellow side stripes to startle predators, hopefully giving it a chance to escape. It has a nictitating membrane which allows light to enter the eye, thus enabling it to detect potential predators. It needs water to reproduce and is found in humid lowlands and rainforests of Central and South America. The species is listed by the IUCN as of Least Concern but decreasing, primarily because of loss of habitat.

Photographer

Claire Waring

Social Media

Instagram: @wildwaring

Voting is now closed.

To limit fraudulent voting, you may only vote once per category per IP address.