American green tree frog

The American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) is a common species of New World tree frog belonging to the genus Hyla. It is a popular species of pet frog.

Physical Description

Members of the species are medium-sized, up to 6 cm. The bodies of American green tree frogs are usually colored green with shades ranging from bright yellowish olive to lime green. The darkness of the color can change depending on lighting or temperature. There may be some small patches of gold or white or a white, pale yellow, or cream-colored line running from the jaw or upper lip to groin. They have smooth skin and large toe pads. The abdomen is pale yellow to white. Males have wrinkled throats (indicating the vocal pouch) and are slightly smaller than females.

Habitat

The habitat of American green tree frogs is usually near lakes, farm ponds, floodplain sloughs, cattail marshes, or bald cypress swamps. They inhabit the southern United States and some areas to the north and west, including all of Florida, southern Georgia, Louisiana, Delaware, eastern Maryland and Virginia, eastern North and South Carolina, eastern Texas, and areas extending along the Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois. They may possibly inhabit northeastern Mexico.

Diet

Like most frogs, the species eats a diet of insects (mostly crickets, moths, and flies) and other small invertebrates. They are sometimes seen on houses around windows or exterior lights, in search of insects.

Reproduction

The mating season takes place from mid-April to mid-August. Females lay up to 400 eggs in shallow water, which attach to the roots of aquatic plants. Embryos hatch within a week and tadpoles transform between 55 to 63 days after hatching. Weather conditions influence breeding, which often takes place in rain. Indeed, the frogs are often seen during and after a rainstorm.

Sources

Betten, Jane. "Hyla cinerea (green treefrog)." Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan. ^*
"Green Treefrog, Hyla cinerea." Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Department of the Interior. ^*

References

Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern