# Squirrel Treefrog (*Hyla squirella*) The Squirrel Treefrog is a small, green frog that loves to climb trees and bushes. They are known for their cheerful calls that sound like a squirrel's chatter, especially during warm nights. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 17 - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Squirrel Frog ![Squirrel Treefrog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Hyla_squirella2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jim Conrad, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hyla_squirella2.jpg) ## Appearance The Squirrel Treefrog is typically green, brown, or gray, able to change color rapidly to match its surroundings. It often has a distinct white or yellowish stripe running along its upper lip and sides, sometimes with scattered dark spots. Its smooth skin and large, adhesive toe pads allow it to cling. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Hylidae - **Genus:** Dryophytes ## Interesting facts - During cold weather, they can go dormant for months, buried in soil or under logs. - Their bulging eyes give them excellent all-around vision to spot tiny insects in the dark! - These tiny frogs can inflate their throat sac like a balloon to make their super-loud calls. - They're named "squirrel" treefrogs because their chattering call sounds a bit like a squirrel! ## Special abilities - **Color Chameleon:** Squirrel Treefrog can quickly change its skin color because of specialized cells, helping them hide perfectly from predators and prey. - **Sticky Climber:** Squirrel Treefrog has large, sticky toe pads that help them climb vertical surfaces, even glass, to reach high leaves. - **Weather Predictor:** Squirrel Treefrog often calls more loudly and frequently just before rainstorms, helping them find mates in good conditions. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2.5-4 cm - **Weight:** 0.001-0.005 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 1 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 500-1000 - **Metamorphosis:** 30-70 days ## Diet & Feeding This little frog loves to snap up tiny insects and other small invertebrates with its quick, sticky tongue! - **Age differences:** Tadpoles primarily feed on algae and detritus in the water, while adults are carnivores eating insects. - **Primary Foods:** ants, flies, moths, spiders, small crickets, mosquitoes - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — hunts them in vegetation and near water. - **Eaten by:** [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) — preys on frogs encountered near wetland edges. - **Eats:** Common House Mosquito (*Culex pipiens*) — catches adult mosquitoes in flight or on surfaces. - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — consumes ants found foraging on plants and ground. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [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. - [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. - [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. - [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. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always wash your hands after touching frogs, and be gentle if you see one! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Squirrel Treefrog? 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 Squirrel Treefrog? 2.5-4 cm ### How much does Squirrel Treefrog weigh? 0.001-0.005 kg ### How long does Squirrel Treefrog live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Squirrel Treefrog move? 1 km/h ### What does Squirrel Treefrog eat? This little frog loves to snap up tiny insects and other small invertebrates with its quick, sticky tongue! ### Where is Squirrel Treefrog usually found? Wetlands ### How does Squirrel Treefrog hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/albemarle-and-chesapeake-canal) — Virginia, US · Historic Site - [Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alfred-b-maclay-gardens-state-park) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Americus Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/americus-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cape-lookout-coast-guard-station) — US · Historic Site - [Charleston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/charleston-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Commerce Street Residential Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/commerce-street-residential-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District [View all places to see Squirrel Treefrog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/squirrel-treefrog) ## 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: [Squirrel Treefrog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/squirrel-treefrog)