Mediterranean Tree Frog

Hyla meridionalis

The Mediterranean Tree Frog is a small, green frog that loves to jump and croak! They are often found near water and are great at climbing trees and plants.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Mediterranean Tree Frog has smooth skin, often bright green but can be brownish-grey. It features a distinctive dark stripe running from its snout, through its eye, and down its flank, setting it apart. They also possess prominent, large golden eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyHylidaeGenusHyla

Mediterranean Tree Frog

Interesting facts

The male's chirping calls are so incredibly loud, they can be heard from over a kilometer away!

Their tadpoles are mostly vegetarians, munching on algae and tiny plant bits in the water!

Unlike many frogs, they spend most of their time climbing in bushes and trees, not just water!

When winter comes, these frogs often hibernate by burying themselves in mud or under rocks!

Special abilities

Mediterranean Tree Frog can cling to smooth surfaces because of special sticky toe pads, that helps them climb high into trees.

Mediterranean Tree Frog has the ability to change its skin color, which helps them perfectly blend into their surroundings.

Mediterranean Tree Frog has large, forward-facing eyes, that helps them spot tiny insect prey in the dark.

Measurements & details

Length: 4-6.5 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.01 kg
Lifespan: 3-9 years
Top Speed: 5 km/h
Clutch Size: 800-1500
Metamorphosis: 60-120 days

Diet & Feeding

They love munching on small insects and other tiny creatures, helping to keep bug populations in check.

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and plant matter, while adults eat only insects.

Primary Foods

Flies
Mosquitoes
Moths
Beetles
Spiders

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Viperine Snake

Natrix maura

often prey on frogs near water

eaten by

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

wades in water to catch amphibians

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

snaps up flying insects from plants

hunts

Mosquito

Anopheles gambiae

a common prey item for adults

Traits

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Arboreal

Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

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.