# Gray Tree Frog (*Hyla versicolor*) The Gray Tree Frog is a cool little frog that can change color! They are great at climbing trees. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 48 - **Habitat:** Forests and wooded areas - **Also known as:** Common Gray Tree Frog, Eastern Gray Tree Frog ![Gray Tree Frog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424764/objects/5654.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Hylidae - **Genus:** Dryophytes ## 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 - **Sticky Climber:** Gray Tree Frog has giant, sticky toe pads that help them cling to almost any surface, even smooth glass, high in trees. - **Ice Survivor:** Gray Tree Frog can survive being frozen solid because of a special 'antifreeze' in their blood, protecting them through winter. - **Loud Singer:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barred-owl) (*Strix varia*) — These nocturnal owls may snatch frogs from branches. - **Eaten by:** [Bluegill](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [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. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gray 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 Gray Tree Frog? 3.8-6 cm ### How much does Gray Tree Frog weigh? 0.005-0.015 kg ### How long does Gray Tree Frog live? 5-9 years ### What does Gray Tree Frog eat? They are insectivores, mostly munching on various small insects and spiders found in trees. ### Where is Gray Tree Frog usually found? Forests and wooded areas ### How does Gray Tree Frog hunt? Ambush ### How many eggs does Gray Tree Frog lay? 1000-2000 ## Where to spot - [Ashton Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ashton-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District - [Brett Woods Open Space](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brett-woods-open-space) — Connecticut, US · Park - [Kent Gardens Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kent-gardens-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Ridgeview Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ridgeview-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [South Britain Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-britain-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wachusett-meadow-wildlife-sanctuary) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve [View all places to see Gray Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gray-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: [Gray Tree Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gray-tree-frog)