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Writer's pictureKevin Esser

New nocturnal neighbors

Since January I am working for Callidryas Tours and Arenal Oasis as a tour guide. At the Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge I saw numerous animals, especially during the night hikes. Here I want to share some of those with you.


Teratohyla pulverata - Powdered Glass Frog

This cute Powdered Glass Frog (Teratohyla pulverata) messures barely a length of 3 cm (1.2 in) max. Due to their small size and good camouflage, they are hard to find.


Imantodes cenchoa - Blunthead Tree Snake

I found this juvenile Blunthead Tree Snake (Imantodes cenchoa) coiled up on the leaf of a bromelia. These snakes feed mainly on frogs and lizards.


Copiphora cultricornis - Rhinoceros Katydid, nymph

Shiny green Rhinoceros Katydid (Copiphora cultricornis) nymph.


Pristimantis ridens - Pygmy Rain Frog

The Pygmy Rain Frog (Pristimantis ridens) is very common in this area. Growing to 2.5 cm (0.98 in), this is another very small species.


Bolitoglossa striatula - Striated Webfoot Salamander

Quite rare to see: Striated Webfoot Salamander (Bolitoglossa striatula). This species occurs in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.


Paraponera clavata - Bullet Ant

This big ant is 3 cm (1.2 in) long and feared by man. The sting of this species is considered to be the most painful sting of the entire insect kingdom. It's described to be as painful as a gunshot. That's why this ant is called Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata).


Agalychnis callidryas - Red-eyed Treefrog

The Red-eyed Treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) should be part of every night hike in the Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica...


Bothriechis schlegelii - Eyelash Viper

Beautiful coloration on this juvenile Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). They are ambush predators, so they can remain motionless for hours.


Espadarana prosoblepon - Emerald Glass Frog

And thus the circle closes, I finish this report as I started it: with a member of the amphibian family called Centrolenidae. This one is an Emerald Glass Frog (Espadarana prosoblepon).

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