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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
More commonly heard then seen, treefrogs can be found in summer clinging from branches high in trees or hidden in bushes. Their lichen-like camo skin keeps them well hidden and round suction cup pads on their feet keep them out of sight from would be predators.
This tiny treefrog was able to see the world from tremendous heights today. I am always wishing I were taller since I often can't see above the high grasses....but I was tall enough for this frog to see the world I'm sure :) The best way to start a morning is to have a treefrog on your hand!
Donner Camp Trail / Nevada County, California
Originally called Pacific Treefrog, Hyla regilla, this species has gone through a confusing naming process. Renamed Pacific Chorus, Pseudacris regilla, it is now named Sierran Treefrog, Pseudacris sierra.
For those interested in the range map of this species, see below:
I took this shot of a Morelet's Treefrog (Agalychnis moreletii) in the Columbia River Forest Reserve in southern Belize, while on an expedition to look for rare cycads in sinkholes and caves. We found 14 of these frogs and they were breeding, we found 2 clutches of eggs and a very pregnant female. This one was sleeping and we could easily see the reticulated palpebral membrane (mesh-like eyelid found in Agalychnis species). It was super cool!
It's a critically endangered frog, so it was great to find this population.
Hyla versicolor
A large adult found on the edge of a hardwood swamp on a rainy night in southeast Michigan.
This is a Northern Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), a weird name considering they can be green, brown, or gray. This one was small, about 1.5 inches in length.
Here is another pic of the treefrog I found on the back deck this past Sunday. She is still around today. For a few days she rested in a small tree off the deck and then the last 2 days she has been resting on a lower railing of the deck.
May 2020
Green Treefrog (Hala cinerea).
Village Creek Drying Beds. Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas.
Tarrant County. July 22, 2021.
Nikon D500. Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/4E ED PF VR + TC-14e III teleconverter.
(420mm) f/5.6 @ 1/2000 sec. ISO 640.