Northern glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni)

Cute Frog of the Week: Oct. 1, 2012

The Northern glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni) is one of the most bizarre amphibians in the world! Though it sports excellent green camouflage for hiding in the rainforests of Central and South America, the most striking feature on this little frog is its transparent belly. If you look at the frog’s underside you can spot its lungs, intestines and even its beating heart!

The Northern glass frog also stands out with its forward-facing, bright yellow eyes, which distinguishes it from the common tree frog. With its unique coloration, it may seem that they are easy to spot, but this is far from the truth. They are nocturnal and are mainly arboreal, meaning that they live exclusively in trees. Though they may be difficult to see, they can certainly be heard. Competing males will often challenge each other by showcasing their impressive mating calls. Though deforestation and habitat loss are a threat, the species is currently classified as a least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/