What you lookin’ at, punk?

Ghost glass frog (Centrolene ilex)

Ghost glass frog (Centrolene ilex)

Cute Frog of the Week: August 9, 2010

Don’t let the small size of this cute ghost glass frog fool you. Males of this species are territorial tough guys that will fight long and hard for the perfect leaf on which to mate. It’s all about location, location, location for these frogs from Central and South America. When females find their perfect beau, they lay their eggs on leaves overhanging a stream, so that when their tadpoles hatch, they can drop into the stream and dive right into the gravel bottoms. For their size, these tiny frogs can pack a mean punch, but when the going gets too tough, these little guys–known as glass frogs because of their incredible camouflage skill–simply lie down on some leaves and disappear.

Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project.

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Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.