Glassfrogs turn transparent by concealing red blood cells in liver, a study finds

The northern glassfrog measures no more than a few centimeters, and they are most active at night.

Scientists have finally unravelled the mystery behind a glassfrog's ability to turn transparent while they rest, according to a new study.

According to the study, a team of biologists and biomedical engineers has shown that glassfrogs achieve transparency while resting by taking red blood cells from circulation and concealing them in their livers. The findings have been published in the journal Science.

It is easy to miss a glassfrog in its natural environment. The northern glassfrog, Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni, measures no more than a few centimeters, and they are most active at night, when their green skin helps them blend in with the surrounding leaves and foliage.

But these amphibians become true masters of camouflage during the day when they're asleep.

"When glassfrogs are resting, their muscles and skin become transparent, and their bones, eyes and internal organs are all that's visible," said Carlos Taboada, co-first author of the paper.

"These frogs sleep on the bottoms of large leaves, and when they're transparent, they can perfectly match the colours of the vegetation," said Taboada.

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