# Italian Tree Frog (*Hyla intermedia*) The Italian Tree Frog is a small, green frog that loves to climb trees and bushes. They are great at jumping and can be found near water, especially in warm weather. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Italian Tree Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/BennyTrapp_Hyla_intermedia_Italien.jpg&width=800) Photo: Benny Trapp, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BennyTrapp_Hyla_intermedia_Italien.jpg) ## Appearance The Italian Tree Frog has vibrant green or brownish-grey smooth skin, with a distinctive dark stripe running from its nostril through the eye to its flank. Its belly is white or yellowish, and its toes have sticky pads. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Hylidae - **Genus:** Hyla ## Interesting facts - Males have a special vocal sac under their chin to amplify their mating calls! - These tiny frogs hibernate in winter, burying themselves in mud or under rocks! - They start their lives as tiny tadpoles, swimming and breathing underwater with gills! - Tree frogs are bio-indicators; their presence shows a healthy, clean environment! ## Special abilities - **Master of Disguise:** Italian Tree Frogs can change their skin color from bright green to brownish-grey, which helps them hide from predators and sneak up on prey. - **Super Climber Toes:** Italian Tree Frogs have special sticky toe pads, allowing them to cling to smooth leaves and branches, helping them climb high. - **Eye-Powered Swallow:** Italian Tree Frogs can pull their eyeballs down into their head, which helps push food further down their throat when swallowing. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 3.5-5 cm - **Weight:** 0.003-0.008 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 300-1000 - **Metamorphosis:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding These small predators snack on various tiny insects and spiders found near water and in vegetation. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adults are insectivores. - **Primary Foods:** Flies, Mosquitoes, Beetles, Moths, Spiders, Caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Grass Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — A common snake predator in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Grey Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-heron) (*Ardea cinerea*) — Wading bird that preys on amphibians near water. - **Eats:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Common insect prey caught with a sticky tongue. - **Eats:** Common House Mosquito (*Culex pipiens*) — Eats larvae and adults, helping control populations. ## 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. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [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. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always wash your hands after touching frogs, and don't pick them up unless an adult says it's okay. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Italian 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 Italian Tree Frog? 3.5-5 cm ### How much does Italian Tree Frog weigh? 0.003-0.008 kg ### How long does Italian Tree Frog live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Italian Tree Frog move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Italian Tree Frog eat? These small predators snack on various tiny insects and spiders found near water and in vegetation. ### Where is Italian Tree Frog usually found? Wetlands ### How does Italian Tree Frog hunt? Ambush ## 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: [Italian Tree Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/italian-tree-frog)