Did you know? I had no idea until recently. Belize is home to two iconic red-eyed tree frog species: Agalychnis taylori and Agalychnis callidryas. At a glance, they look nearly identical — especially when photographed at night — which leads to frequent misidentification.
I’m not completely certain how common or rare red-eyed tree frogs are to see or find. I have only found two on my farm since living here full-time in November 2021. As I live in The Community Baboon Sanctuary in the Belize District the red-eyes found on my farm would be Agalychnis taylori.
This guide breaks down the differences in appearance, behaviour, habitat, and range using clear comparison charts.
Agalychnis taylori on my farm
Agalychnis taylori Overview
Common name: Taylor’s Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Latin name: Agalychnis taylori
Identification features:
- Slightly duller green body
- Eyes tend to be reddish-orange rather than bright red
- Narrower blue flank bars
- Leg colour somewhat muted (orange to yellowish-orange)
- Skin slightly granular
Habitat:
Northern and western Belize, savannas, forest edges, seasonally dry lowlands.
Behaviour:
More tolerant of dry conditions; breeds in vegetation overhanging seasonal ponds.
You can learn more about Agalychnis taylori by visiting its species page on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agalychnis_taylori
Agalychnis callidryas Overview
Common name: Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Latin name: Agalychnis callidryas
Identification features:
- Bright neon green body
- Vivid bright red eyes
- Wide, bold blue flank stripes bordered by clean white bars
- Bright orange or red legs
- Smooth skin
Habitat:
Moist forests of southern Belize, particularly Toledo District.
Behaviour:
Prefers consistently humid rainforest; classic species seen in documentaries.
You can learn more about Agalychnis callidryas by visiting its species page on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agalychnis_callidryas
Agalychnis taylori vs Agalychnis callidryas: Comparison Chart
| Feature | Agalychnis taylori | Agalychnis callidryas |
|---|---|---|
| Eye colour | Red to reddish-orange | Bright red |
| Body colour | Slightly duller green | Bright green |
| Flank markings | Narrow blue bars | Bold blue with white bars |
| Leg colour | Subdued orange / yellow-orange | Bright orange / red |
| Skin texture | Slightly granular | Smooth |
| Typical range (Belize) | North & West | South |
| Preferred habitat | Drier forests, savannas | Humid rainforest |
Where Each Species Is Found in Belize
Belize’s geography creates a natural divide between the two species.
- Most likely in Orange Walk, Cayo, or northern Belize: Agalychnis taylori
- Most likely in southern rainforest regions like Toledo: Agalychnis callidryas
Morelet’s Leaf Frogs
Credit to Joshua Seguro for photos of Morelet’s Leaf Frogs
Additional Leaf Frog Species Found in Belize
Morelet’s Leaf Frog (Agalychnis moreletii) is a rare species found only in the humid forests of the Mayan Mountains in Belize. Known for its striking green body, dark eyes, and vibrant climbing ability, this elusive frog is highly adapted to the highland rainforest ecosystem and is a key indicator of forest health.
How to Correctly Identify Red-Eyed Tree Frogs in Belize (Simple Field Tips)
- Check eye colour first – Bright red → A. callidryas. Reddish-orange → A. taylori
- Look at the flank markings – Thick blue + white bars → callidryas. Thin blue bars → taylori
- Check the legs – Highly saturated orange legs → callidryas. Muted yellow-orange → taylori
- Consider your location – North/West → usually taylori. South rainforest → usually callidryas
How Red-eyed tree frogs like to hide in the jungle
Red-eyed Tree Frog Reproduction in Belize: Leaf-Breeding and Tadpole Development
Red-eyed tree frog reproduction in Belize peaks during the rainy season. Male red-eyed tree frogs call from leaves near calm pools, defending small territories to attract females. Once a female approaches, they move to a broad leaf above the water. The female lays red-eyed tree frog eggs on the leaf’s surface while the male fertilizes them externally.
These eggs can sense vibrations from predators, like snakes, and hatch early, dropping tadpoles into the water. The red-eyed tree frog tadpoles complete development in the water before metamorphosing into froglets and climbing back into the vegetation.
No parental care is provided, so the success of each clutch depends on choosing the right leaf, height, and timing in the rainy season. This leaf-breeding strategy of red-eyed tree frogs is a remarkable adaptation to the unpredictable conditions of the Belize jungle, showcasing one of Central America’s most fascinating amphibian behaviours.
When the heat is on, red-eyed tree frog embryos can actually hatch early — a remarkable survival trick I found in this Smithsonian article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/when-the-heat-is-on-red-eyed-tree-frogs-hatch-early-180980865/
Agalychnis taylori
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-Eyed Tree Frogs in Belize
Q1: How do I identify Agalychnis taylori vs Agalychnis callidryas in Belize?
Identification relies on eye colour, flank markings, leg colour, and location. Bright red eyes, thick blue-and-white flank bars, and vivid orange legs indicate Agalychnis callidryas, common in southern Belize rainforests. Reddish-orange eyes, narrow blue flank bars, and muted yellow-orange legs usually point to Agalychnis taylori, found in northern and western regions.
Q2: When is the best time to see red-eyed tree frogs in Belize?
The rainy season is prime for observing red-eyed tree frog breeding behaviour. Males call from leaves near calm pools, and females lay eggs above water during this period. Nighttime visits near ponds or forest edges offer the highest chance of sightings.
Q3: Do red-eyed tree frogs provide parental care for their eggs?
No. Adults do not guard eggs. The success of each clutch depends entirely on the female choosing the right leaf, height above water, and timing during the rainy season. Tadpoles hatch in response to predator vibrations, dropping safely into the water below.
Q4: Where in Belize are Agalychnis taylori and Agalychnis callidryas most commonly found?
A. taylori thrives in northern and western districts like Cayo and Orange Walk, favouring drier forests and savannas. A. callidryas prefers southern Belize’s humid rainforests, especially Toledo District.
Q5: Can red-eyed tree frog eggs hatch early if threatened?
Yes. Eggs are sensitive to vibrations from predators such as snakes. Early hatching allows tadpoles to drop into water and continue development, increasing survival rates in the unpredictable jungle environment.
Q6: Are red-eyed tree frogs found outside Belize?
Yes. Agalychnis callidryas occurs throughout Central America, while Agalychnis taylori is mostly restricted to northern Belize and nearby areas. Related species like Agalychnis moreletii are found on the Mayan Mountains in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Q7: What makes the leaf-breeding strategy of red-eyed tree frogs unique?
Laying eggs on leaves above water rather than directly in it is a remarkable adaptation to Belize’s dynamic rainforest and savanna habitats. This strategy protects embryos from aquatic predators and allows rapid, predator-triggered hatching, showcasing one of Central America’s most impressive amphibian behaviours.
One of the most iconic tree frogs in the world
Conclusion
Both species are stunning, iconic ambassadors of Belize’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re photographing wildlife for your blog or documenting species along your jungle road, knowing the differences between Agalychnis taylori and Agalychnis callidryas makes your observations far more accurate.
Agalychnis taylori in my coconut field
