Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Red Eyed Gliding Tree Frog

The red eyed gliding tree frog is an arboreal native to the neotropical rain-forest. It's red eyes serve as a defensive adaption. When this frog detects an approaching predator, it abruptly opens its eyes and stares at the predator. The sudden appearance of the red eyes may startle the predator, and give the frog a chance to flee.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: El Choco, Ecuador
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Phyllis Plotkin