Gray Treefrog
Hyla versicolor
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Alyssa Jones in Newtown
Listen to call:
Description
Gray treefrogs grow to be about two inches long. They can range in color from gray, green, or sometimes brown. These frogs are able to change color based on the surface they are on. This change occurs slower than in a chameleon. Uneven dark spots mottle their backs. Younger frogs appear more green and have few markings. They have white bellies and lumpy skin. A bright yellow or orange is visible on this species' inner thigh. They have prominent suction cups on their toe pads. Males have darker throats during breeding season. Females appear larger than males.
Habitat
These frogs can be found most commonly in deciduous forests that are near water. They may also be found on woodland edges, rock ledges, or around urban or suburban areas.
Behavior
This species is solitary and primarily arboreal. They can often be seen resting on tree branches or out in the sun during the day. Males can be heard calling at night or the late afternoon, however they will respond to loud noises during the day. Their bodies are capable of
freezing to a temperature as low as 18°F during the winter. Gray treefrogs eat insects, arachnids, snails, and smaller frogs. They rely on their camouflage to protect them from predators, but if that fails they will flee. When running, the bright yellow on their thighs is visible, alerting the attacker. This frog's skin releases a toxic emission, which can irritate human’s eyes, lips, nose, and open cuts. They breed from late spring to early summer in temporary waters, including vernal pools, puddles, and ditches. The eggs are laid in small clumps of 15 to 35 that float on the surface of the water.
Range
Present
Gray treefrogs and spring peepers are often confused. Although treefrogs may have skin that appears more brown, it is more commonly gray to green. Spring peepers almost always have a light brown coloring to their skin. Gray treefrogs have rougher skin than peepers and are usually larger. Peepers have a distinctive X marking across their back, while the patterns on treefrogs are random.