In 2015, a new species of frog was discovered in Costa Rica. Named Hyalinobatrachium dianae, the “glass frog” has such translucent skin on its underside that it’s possible to see its internal organs. The nocturnal creature is distinct from other species because of its skin texture, coloring, and the sound of its call. It was discovered by zoologists working at the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Centre, who immediately began a study of the amphibian. The bulbous liver and digestive organs are covered in a white membrane, while the heart and ventral vein are blood red. The lungs are transparent and the gallbladder is what’s described as sulphur yellow. Glass frogs can be difficult to observe, as they tend to inhabit vegetation high above streams and at sites with tough-to-navigate topography. Researchers believe the frogs face very limited human threats, thanks to the fact that very few roads allow access to the areas they inhabit.
