There is no doubt that Costa Rica is known for its exceptional biodiversity. From birds and mammals that you won’t find anywhere else in the world to the dynamic fish and sea life, the country is a haven for those who want to revel in exotic animals. One animal that has always been a favorite of mine is the frog.
Here, I will tell you about some of the most amazing frogs found in Costa Rica, and also tell you how you can find them. I have seen everything from the strawberry poison dart frog to the blue jeans frog, and I know more about Costa Rican frogs than the average person!
Many of the native species of frogs are found in the El Cielo de las Ranas, or “Frogs Heaven,” which is located in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, but you can find frogs most everywhere in the country.
So, without further ado, lets hop right on in to some of the most incredible amphibians you will find on the planet: the frogs of Costa Rica:
The Glass Frog – The Frog that Shows it’s Organs
You will find the glass frog, or Hyalinobatrachium chirripoi, throughout Costa Rica, but also in nearby countries including Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and Honduras. They are found in the rain forests, and often are found along streams, where they dine on insects and lay eggs on the leaves of trees. The most interesting thing about the glass frog is that their skin is translucent, which means you can see through the “glass” of their skin and clearly see the internal organs.
Red Eyed Tree Frogs – Famous Around the World
When you think of frogs in Costa Rica, you surely picture a red eyed tree frog. These are some of the most popular and well known frogs in the world. Also known as the red eyed leaf frog, they are found in tropical forests throughout central and South America. Though the red eyed tree frog looks totally green at first glance, when it hops and moves, you can see the brilliant shades of blue and red underneath.
Are Red Eyed Tree Frogs Poisonous?
No, red eyed tree frogs are NOT poisonous.
Kermit Frog – Yes, Like THAT Kermit!
As soon as you look at the kermit frog, you can easily see why this newly discovered species was given this hilarious name. With bright green skin and eyes that are white with a black slit, this is also one of the many species of glass frog, which means you can see it’s internal organs from outside of it’s skin!
Clown Frog – This One is No Joke!
A type of tree frog, the clown frog is also one of the beautiful and colorful frogs that you can find throughout Costa Rica. Also known as the “harlequin frog,” these tree frogs are also popular pets for frog enthusiasts.
Red and Blue Arrow Frogs – Their Blue Jeans Give them Away!
The red and blue arrow frog, also called “blue jeans frogs,” are so-called due to the blue legs that these amphibians show off. This is a poison frog which emits toxins from its skin. These toxins help to protect it from predators.
Milk Frogs – Common, but Very Cool!
I also love the milk frog, which is a very common type of frog that the nature lover in me absolutely adores! This is a big frog when compared to other frogs you might find in Costa Rica. It is also known as a mission golden-eyed tree frog, but you can see why it’s called a milk frog when you see the milky substance that comes from its skin to keep the prey away.
Rain Frog – Important to the Local Ecosystem
The rain frog is mostly noticed during the rainy season simply because that is when they are out and about. You might hear a rain frog and think it’s pretty close, but one of the coolest things about this frog is that you can hear its calls from up to 100 meters away.
Narrow-Mouthed Frog – Small Frogs with Big Voices
The narrow-mouthed frog is a small frog with a tiny mouth, but this amphibian has a huge voice and unique calls that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. These diverse frogs are found throughout Costa Rica and they eat small insects and other invertebrates.
Giant Toad
So far we have talked about some of the tree frogs often found in Costa Rica, but there are also a number of toads. One of my favorites is the giant toad, or cane toad. These are poisonous toads that are found throughout Central and South America, and yes, even in the United States…so be careful when out on a night walk!
Golden Toad – Is it Really Extinct?
The golden toad is, indeed, a toad, but many mistake it for one of the many poison dart frogs simply because of how it looks. This toad is likely extinct, but my hope is that there are more to be found in Costa Rica.
Are There Poisonous Frogs in Costa Rica?
Yes, there are poisonous frogs in Costa Rica. The most common ones you will find are the poison dart frog, green and black poison dart frog, strawberry poison dart frog, blue poison dart frog, granular poison frog, golden poison frog, granulal poison frog, and various tree frogs. Be very careful to observe these frogs from afar and do not attempt to handle them.
Summary of Costa Rican Frogs
From the strawberry poison dart frog to the red eyed leaf frog, the frogs and toads of Costa Rica are totally fascinating. These animals are often found in the wild forests of the country, but can also be found in close proximity to humans in towns and cities.
Frogs play an integral role in the ecosystem of Costa Rica, and they play the part of both predator and prey. Many, like narrow-mouthed frogs, are more active during certain times of the year, such as in the rainy season. However, others might be active during the dry season, too. If you are looking to travel to Costa Rica to see some of the amazing frogs and toads, I suggest getting in contact with a local guide to find out the best time to visit.
From the fascinating poison dart frogs you can see on night walks with local guides to knowing whether the frogs you want to see are on the Pacific side or the Caribbean side, you don’t need to be a member of National Geographic to enter the wonderful world of frogs and toads in Costa Rica.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
