8 Types of Frogs in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and is home to an incredible array of amphibian species.

If you’re an amphibian enthusiast looking for an exciting new destination, Costa Rica is the perfect place! 

There are over 150 types of frogs in Costa Rica, ranging from large tree frogs to tiny poison dart frogs.

In our blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating types of frogs in Costa Rica. Read on!!

1. Red-Eyed Tree Frog

The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is the first on our list of Costa Rican frog types and one of the country’s most iconic amphibians. Unsurprisingly, this beautiful species has become the symbol of Costa Rican biodiversity. 

Moving along, you may encounter the Red-Eyed Tree Frog in Costa Rica. As its name suggests, this frog is easily identifiable by its large red eyes! It has a vibrant green body with yellow stripes running along its back and sides. This species is particularly interesting because it can often be found nesting high up in the tree canopy or low near streams or rivers.

These types of frogs inhabit lowland rainforests in Costa Rica, primarily near water sources such as rivers and creeks. They are well adapted for life in the canopy and have large adhesive toe pads to help climb trees and other vegetation. The males have a bright red eye that is used to ward off predators and attract mates. 

They also have a distinctive blue coloration on their sides and back. During the day, they can usually sleep with their eyes shut in crevices or on the underside of leaves. At night, they feed on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates.

2. Rain Frogs

Rain frogs are also on our list of Costa Rican frog types. These fascinating amphibians feed on insects, snails, and other invertebrates they find while night-hunting. 

In addition to their unique calls, rain frogs feature bright skin colors, helping them stand out against their leafy environments. They are quite small, typically 1-2 cm long. Another frog you may encounter in Costa Rica is the Cane Toad. 

These frogs in Costa Rica can grow up to 7 inches long and boast various colors, from brown and black to greenish-blue and yellow! They’re known for having large parotoid glands behind their eyes, which contain a mild poison 

3. Tree Frogs

The red-eyed tree frog is perhaps the most famous tree frog in Costa Rica. It has bright yellow skin with blue and orange stripes, and its eyes are striking red. This frog can be found in tropical forests throughout the country.

The rain frog is another common tree frog in Costa Rica. This small amphibian has a brown and white striped body, and its toes are webbed for swimming. It can be found in wet and dry habitats, and its diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

The tree frog is the largest in Costa Rica and can reach up to 4 inches. It is light green with dark spots and stripes, and its toes are long and have large adhesive pads. The tree frog can be found in wet and dry habitats and feeds on insects, spiders, snails, worms, and other invertebrates.

4. Glass Frog

The Glass Frog is truly unique in Costa Rica. Its most distinguishing feature is the see-through skin on its belly, which allows you to see the organs and bones inside. This makes it an interesting creature to observe, as you can easily spot its beating heart. 

They typically inhabit tropical rainforests and spend much time clinging to leaves and plants near water sources. In the evening, they come out to feed on insects. It can be not easy to spot a Glass Frog since they blend well with their environment. 

However, they become quite vocal during the mating season, making it much easier to locate them. If you are visiting Costa Rica and looking for a unique experience, keeping your eyes peeled for this fascinating creature might be worthwhile.

5. Splendid Leaf Frog

The Splendid Leaf Frog is one of the most recognizable types of frogs in Costa Rica due to its vibrant colors. Its back is usually yellowish-green with black spots, while its belly is bright yellow or orange. It typically grows to about 1.5 inches long and can be found near rivers, ponds, and lowland forests.

These types of frogs in Costa Rica are mainly nocturnal and are not very active during the day. When active, they like to stay close to the ground, where they can hide among the leaves and branches. 

They are good climbers, so they can often be found high up in trees. If you’re lucky enough to spot a Splendid Leaf Frog in Costa Rica, don’t disturb them too much. Enjoy their vibrant colors and call from a distance!

6. Strawberry Poison Dart Frog 

The strawberry poison dart frog is a unique species found in Costa Rica. This brightly colored frog is part of the Dendrobatidae family and is endemic to the humid lowland forests of Central and South America. 

It’s easily recognized by its bright red, orange, yellow, and black coloring that can be seen from a distance. Unlike most other types of frogs in Costa Rica, the strawberry poison dart frog has adapted to live on land rather than in the water. The strawberry poison dart frog spends most of its time in the trees and shrubs of the rainforest. 

It is nocturnal, active at night, and hiding in leaf litter or underneath logs during the day. The strawberry poison dart frog is one of the most toxic animals in the world due to its high concentrations of alkaloid toxins in its skin. The frog produces these toxins as a defense mechanism against predators. 

While it is not dangerous to humans, it can be fatal to other animals if ingested. If you’re lucky enough to come across a strawberry poison dart frog in Costa Rica, you’ll want to take some photos and admire its unique beauty from a safe distance!

7. Lemur Leaf Frog

The Lemur Leaf Frog is a small tropical frog found in Costa Rica. It has a bright lime green body with large red eyes and long, thin legs. This species is mainly nocturnal and can be found in moist lowland forests and cloud forests at elevations between 900 and 1200 meters. 

The Lemur Leaf Frog is most easily identified by its large black and white head and back spots. Its diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates. Its call is a low “wheezing” noise that can be heard up to 20 feet away. 

The Lemur Leaf Frog is endangered due to habitat loss and environmental change. However, the species is protected by Costa Rican law, and various conservation efforts have been taken to ensure its survival.

8. Common Tink Frog 

The Common Tink Frog (Diasporus diastema) is a small, colorful frog in Costa Rica and Panama. It is a small species, growing to a maximum size of just over 1 inch long. It is usually seen near streams or ponds, where it feeds on small insects.

The Common Tink Frog is a vivid green with dark stripes running down the back. Its eyes are bright red, and its legs are relatively long for its size. These types of frogs in Costa Rica have been found in various habitats, including lowland rainforests, cloud forests, and mangroves.

These frogs in Costa Rica are not especially hard to spot. They often climb up rocks and leaves near water sources in search of food. When taking pictures of these frogs, use a long lens and a high shutter speed to capture their brilliant colors and distinctive patterns.