The Okinawa green tree frog ( Rhacophorus viridis viridis ) is found on Okinawa, Iheya and Kume Island.
- Scientific name: Rhacophorus viridis viridis
- Common name: Okinawa Green tree frog
- Distribution: Okinawa, Kume, and Iheya.
- Habitat: Forests, mountain slopes and farm fields near water.
- Diet: Insects
- Average size: 45mm-75mm
- Color: Olive green, Bright green and dark brown
This beautiful frog is a master of camouflage. I often find it resting on tree branches, blending in with the surrounding green leaves.
The breeding season stretches from February to April on Okinawa.
On Kume Island the tree frogs transform to a golden brown when mating.
They construct a foam nest on a tree branch above a still water source. Eventually, the foam liquefies when the eggs are ready to hatch.
Not all frogs survive to make the nest. The Akamata is the most common snake on the Okinawan Islands. It feeds on venomous habu snakes, baby sea turtles, lizards, and frogs.
Photographed on white for the Meet your Neighbours global biodiversity project.
I often find this frog searching for insects on the road.
” Know your nature with Shawn Miller ” Let’s protect the wildlife of Okinawa.