Juvenile Gray Treefrog...
The Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) and the Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) are two species of tree frog found in the United States. They are almost indistinguishable and share much of the same geographic range, although the Cope's tends to be more southerly.
The only readily noticeable difference between the two species is the call. The Cope's has a faster-paced and slightly higher-pitched call. In addition, the Cope's is reported to be slightly smaller, more arboreal, and more tolerant of dry conditions than the Gray Treefrog.
Both tree frogs inhabit a wide range, and can be found in most of the eastern half of the United States, as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. They also range into Canada in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, with an isolated population in New Brunswick.
Both tree frogs are most common in forested areas, as they are highly arboreal. Their calls are often heard in rural residential areas of the East Coast and the Midwest. They prefer to breed in semi-permanent woodland ponds without fish, but also lay eggs in swamps, vernal pools, man-made fountains and water gardens, and even in rainwater filled swimming pool covers
Both species are variable in color, mottled gray to gray-green, resembling the bark of trees. They are relatively small compared to other North American frog species, typically attaining no more than 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1 cm) in length measured from nose to vent. Their skin has a lumpy texture, giving them a warty appearance. The female is usually larger than the male.
Both have bright-orange patches on their hind legs, which distinguishes them from other tree frogs. The bright-yellow pattern is normally hidden, but exposed when the frog leaps. This "flash pattern" likely serves to startle a predator as the frog makes its escape. Both species are slightly sexually dimorphic. Males have black or gray throats in the breeding season, while the throats of the females are lighter.
Last but not least, both frogs are variable in color owing to their ability to camouflage themselves from gray to green, depending on the substrate where they are sitting. The degree of mottling varies. They can change from nearly black to nearly white. They change color at a slower rate than a chameleon. Dead frogs and ones in unnatural surroundings are predominantly gray.
ISO400, aperture f/10, exposure .003 seconds (1/400) focal length 300mm
Juvenile Gray Treefrog...
The Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) and the Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) are two species of tree frog found in the United States. They are almost indistinguishable and share much of the same geographic range, although the Cope's tends to be more southerly.
The only readily noticeable difference between the two species is the call. The Cope's has a faster-paced and slightly higher-pitched call. In addition, the Cope's is reported to be slightly smaller, more arboreal, and more tolerant of dry conditions than the Gray Treefrog.
Both tree frogs inhabit a wide range, and can be found in most of the eastern half of the United States, as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. They also range into Canada in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, with an isolated population in New Brunswick.
Both tree frogs are most common in forested areas, as they are highly arboreal. Their calls are often heard in rural residential areas of the East Coast and the Midwest. They prefer to breed in semi-permanent woodland ponds without fish, but also lay eggs in swamps, vernal pools, man-made fountains and water gardens, and even in rainwater filled swimming pool covers
Both species are variable in color, mottled gray to gray-green, resembling the bark of trees. They are relatively small compared to other North American frog species, typically attaining no more than 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1 cm) in length measured from nose to vent. Their skin has a lumpy texture, giving them a warty appearance. The female is usually larger than the male.
Both have bright-orange patches on their hind legs, which distinguishes them from other tree frogs. The bright-yellow pattern is normally hidden, but exposed when the frog leaps. This "flash pattern" likely serves to startle a predator as the frog makes its escape. Both species are slightly sexually dimorphic. Males have black or gray throats in the breeding season, while the throats of the females are lighter.
Last but not least, both frogs are variable in color owing to their ability to camouflage themselves from gray to green, depending on the substrate where they are sitting. The degree of mottling varies. They can change from nearly black to nearly white. They change color at a slower rate than a chameleon. Dead frogs and ones in unnatural surroundings are predominantly gray.
ISO400, aperture f/10, exposure .003 seconds (1/400) focal length 300mm