Polka-dot tree frog

The polka-dot tree frog, also known as the dotted tree frog, is a fascinating creature native to South America and Trinidad and Tobago. These frogs are quite small, measuring just 3-4 cm in length, and they can be found in a variety of environments. Whether it's forests, swamps, marshes, gardens, urban areas, or even degraded forests, these adaptable amphibians make themselves at home.

Despite their wide range of habitats, the polka-dot tree frog is not considered to be at risk, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

A truly remarkable discovery came in 2017 when researchers found that these frogs are naturally fluorescent under ultraviolet light. This was a groundbreaking revelation because it marked the first time an amphibian, among over 6,000 known frog species, was found to exhibit fluorescence. Subsequent studies have shown that fluorescence is not as rare among frogs and other amphibians as previously thought.

The secret behind their glow lies in specific compounds in their skin secretions, primarily hyloin compounds. This fluorescent feature is believed to play several roles, including aiding in communication, camouflage, and mating.