Glass Frogs

One of the most fascinating amphibians on Earth—famous for their see-through skin, especially on their undersides, where you can actually see their heart, liver, and digestive system.

• Family: Centrolenidae

• Common name: Glass frogs

• Species: Over 150 known species

Glass frogs are found in Central and South America, especially in:

• Costa Rica

• Panama

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Peru

They prefer humid tropical rainforests, usually near fast-moving streams.

• Transparent belly: Their most iconic trait—organs visible through skin

• Bright green backs: Helps them blend into leaves

• Nocturnal: Active mostly at night

• Sticky toe pads: Perfect for climbing vegetation

• Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves hanging over streams

• When the eggs hatch, tadpoles drop into the water below

• Many males guard the eggs, protecting them from predators and fungus

• Some species can hide their red blood cells in their liver when resting, making them even more transparent

• Their translucency helps them avoid predators by blending into their surrounding

Many glass frog species are:

• Threatened by deforestation

• Sensitive to climate change

• Impacted by diseases like Chytridiomycosis

Glass frogs are important indicators of environmental health. Because they need clean water and stable habitats, their presence often means an ecosystem is doing well.