Splendid leaf frog

A splendid life. Splendid leaf frog

Don't let the name fool you—this frog isn't just leafing around. The splendid leaf frog, or splendid treefrog, is a rainforest resident with a flair for the dramatic: neon legs, sticky feet and a disappearing act. One minute it's a humble green leaf, the next it's a flash of colour mid-leap, startling predators. This frog lives high in the canopies of Central and South America, especially in Costa Rica, Panama and parts of Ecuador and Colombia. With vertical pupils and a golden glow, its oversized eyes help this frog spot prey in the dark. Thanks to sticky toe pads and strong limbs, it can cling to branches and leaves like a pro, even in the canopy's slippery heights. Breeding season gets creative. Females lay their eggs on leaves overhanging small pools or puddles. Once the eggs hatch, the tadpoles drop into the water below—no parental supervision required.

Just as the splendid leaf frog steals the show in the rainforests of the Americas, an equally eye-catching star leaps through the streams of India's Western Ghats. The elegant dancing frog belongs to the Micrixalidae family and is a true native of this lush mountain range. Its appearance is just as striking as its name—its head and upper body sport a rich reddish-brown tone dotted with irregular yellow-grey spots, while the sides are shaded in deep black-brown. Adding to its unique look, its hind legs are marked with distinct dark brown bands.