This Frog Is See-Through!

What if you could see through your skin? Just imagine! You could watch your heart pump blood through your body. You could follow that sandwich you ate for lunch as it travels all the way to your stomach. 

Well, you could do all that if you were a glass frog. As its name suggests, much of a glass frog’s skin is transparent. (But it’s not made of glass!)

What if you could see through your skin? Just imagine! You could watch your heart pump blood. You could see your lunch as it goes to your stomach. 

Well, you could do all that if you were a glass frog. Much of a glass frog’s skin is transparent. 

Most glass frogs live in rainforests across Central and South America. The slimy skin on their backs is light green. But the skin on their legs and bellies is translucent. Why?

Scientists believe that the frogs’ limpid skin helps the animals better blend in with their environment—and conceal themselves from birds that might attack them. Plus, the frogs are tiny—often about the size of a quarter. 

These adaptations, or body traits that help animals survive, help keep the frogs alive in the wild. Glass frogs 1, birds 0!

Most glass frogs live in rainforests in Central and South America. The skin on their backs is green. But the skin on their legs and bellies is translucent. Why?

Scientists believe that the frogs’ limpid skin helps the animals blend in better. Its skin helps conceal them from birds that might attack them. Plus, the frogs are tiny—often about the size of a quarter. 

These adaptations help keep the frogs alive. Adaptations are body traits that help animals survive. 

The world is full of creatures with unusual skins and coats. Long-tailed weasels grow white fur in the winter so they’re hard to see in the snow. Potoo birds’ feathers look just like the bark on the trees where they hang out to camouflage themselves from hungry monkeys. And chameleons change their skin color to attract mates and defend their territory.

Many other animals have sheer skin too, from butterflies to fish. A favorite here in the U.S. is the ghost shrimp. Many people keep the creatures in their fish tanks. 

Just like a glass frog’s, a ghost shrimp’s body is as clear as crystal, so you can watch the food it’s eaten pass through its guts. Creepy or cool?

The world is full of animals with unusual skins and coats. Long-tailed weasels grow white fur in the winter so they’re hard to see in the snow. Potoo birds’ feathers look just like the bark on the trees where they hang out. This helps camouflage them from hungry monkeys. And chameleons change their skin color to defend where they live.

Many other animals have sheer skin too. A favorite in the U.S. is the ghost shrimp. Many people keep them in their fish tanks. 

Just like a glass frog’s, a ghost shrimp’s body is as clear as crystal. You can watch the food it’s eaten go through its guts. Creepy or cool?