red-eyed tree frogs spend most of their time on large tropical leaves. they are not poisonous, and rely on camouflage to protect themselves. during the day, they stay still, cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their bright feet under their stomachs, and shut their red eyes. so they look almost completely green, and are well hidden amongst the leaves. the large red eyes are a defensive adaptation called deimatic behaviour. when a red-eyed tree frog detects a predator, it abruptly opens its eyes and stares at the predator. the sudden appearance of the red eyes may startle the predator, giving the frog a chance to flee.