Gray Tree Frog

Hyla versicolor

The Gray Tree Frog is a cool little frog that can change color! They are great at climbing trees.

Habitat: Forests and wooded areas

Appearance

The Gray Tree Frog has warty, bumpy skin and can change its color from gray to brown or green to match its surroundings. It features large, sticky toe pads for climbing and often reveals a flash of bright yellow or orange on its inner thighs when hopping.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyHylidaeGenusDryophytes

Gray Tree Frog

Interesting facts

Male frogs develop a dark throat patch when they are ready to mate.

Tadpoles flash bright red tails to scare away hungry fish!

These frogs spend almost all their adult lives high up in tree canopies.

They use their long, sticky tongue to catch small insects and spiders!

Special abilities

Gray Tree Frog has giant, sticky toe pads that help them cling to almost any surface, even smooth glass, high in trees.

Gray Tree Frog can survive being frozen solid because of a special 'antifreeze' in their blood, protecting them through winter.

Gray Tree Frog can make a very loud, trilling call that helps them attract mates and define their territory.

Measurements & details

Length: 3.8-6 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.015 kg
Lifespan: 5-9 years
Clutch Size: 1000-2000
Metamorphosis: 42-56 days

Diet & Feeding

They are insectivores, mostly munching on various small insects and spiders found in trees.

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus; adults are insectivores.

Primary Foods

moths
flies
beetles
crickets
spiders
small snails

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

One of their primary snake predators.

eaten by

Barred Owl

Strix varia

These nocturnal owls may snatch frogs from branches.

eaten by

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Bluegill fish prey on their eggs and tadpoles in ponds.

hunts

European Corn Borer

Ostrinia nubilalis

Adult frogs prey on various moths and other insects.

Traits

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Arboreal

Climb high with animals who love living in trees! These agile creatures find their food, shelter, and even raise their families among the branches.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.