# California Tree Frog (*Pseudacris cadaverina*) The California Tree Frog is a small, green frog that loves to hop around in wet places. They are great at climbing and can often be found resting on leaves or branches. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![California Tree Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/CaliforniaTreeFrog.jpg&width=800) Photo: Polyman586, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CaliforniaTreeFrog.jpg) ## Appearance The California Tree Frog has warty, grey-brown to olive skin, often mottled with darker blotches, which helps it blend perfectly with its rocky surroundings. A distinct dark mask extends from its snout through its eye, making it visually different from many smoother-skinned tree frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Hylidae - **Genus:** Pseudacris ## Interesting facts - Baby California Tree Frogs, called tadpoles, munch on algae before transforming into bug-eating adults. - Their unique call sounds like a 'wrah-wrah-wrah,' a bit like sandpaper, not a typical frog 'ribbit'! - These tiny frogs can leap over 2 meters (6 feet) in a single bound, an incredible distance for their size! - Unlike many frogs, the California Tree Frog has bumpy, warty skin that helps it mimic the texture of stones. ## Special abilities - **Sticky Toes:** California Tree Frogs have special adhesive toe pads that help them climb smooth rocks and plants, allowing them to escape predators and find high perches. - **Rock Camouflage:** California Tree Frog can change its color and uses its warty skin to blend into rocks and bark, making it nearly invisible to hungry animals. - **Skin Hydration:** California Tree Frog can absorb water directly through its skin from damp surfaces, which helps them stay hydrated without needing to drink. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2.5-5 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.01 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-9 years - **Speed:** 3.6 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 200-2000 - **Metamorphosis:** 28-90 days ## Diet & Feeding These frogs are expert hunters, using their sticky tongues to snatch up small insects and spiders. - **Age differences:** Young tadpoles eat algae and plant matter in the water, while adult frogs eat insects and small invertebrates. - **Primary Foods:** Flies, Crickets, Small beetles, Spiders, Moths - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Two-striped Garter Snake (*Thamnophis hammondii*) — A common native snake that hunts small amphibians. - **Eaten by:** [Great Blue Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-blue-heron) (*Ardea herodias*) — Large wading bird that preys on frogs in shallow waters. - **Eaten by:** [American Bullfrog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-bullfrog) (*Rana catesbeiana*) — Invasive frog that preys on smaller native amphibians. - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Catches flies and other flying insects with its sticky tongue. - **Hunts:** [House Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-cricket) (*Gryllus domesticus*) — Actively ambushes crickets and other terrestrial invertebrates. ## Traits - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch frogs from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify California Tree Frog? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is California Tree Frog? 2.5-5 cm ### How much does California Tree Frog weigh? 0.002-0.01 kg ### How long does California Tree Frog live? 5-9 years ### How fast can California Tree Frog move? 3.6 km/h ### What does California Tree Frog eat? These frogs are expert hunters, using their sticky tongues to snatch up small insects and spiders. ### Where is California Tree Frog usually found? Wetlands ### How does California Tree Frog hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Gaviota State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gaviota-state-park) — California, US · State Park - [Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth County Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gen-charles-s-farnsworth-county-park) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Lotusland](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lotusland) — California, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see California Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/california-tree-frog) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [California Tree Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-tree-frog)