Treefrogs | Herps of Texas

Hyla arenicolor

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hyla arenicolor

Common Name. Canyon Treefrog

General information. Hyla arenicolor is primarily active at night (nocturnal) and is most commonly found on the ground or on or between large rocks, but it may be seen on low branches of small trees or shrubs.

Protected status. The Canyon Treefrog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Round, toad-like body with rough skin (for a treefrog). Large toe pads present with webbing on hind feet.

Coloration. Overall color is brownish gray, though a pink tone may be present Light or cream-colored ventral surface Orange or yellow color on hidden surfaces of thighs. Dark bar below eyes. Dark throat in males

General distribution. In North America, Hyla arenicolor is found in a band from southern Utah, into Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas and this frog is found as far south as central Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hyla arenicolor is found in the Big Bend region of the state.

Habitat. Hyla arenicolor is found in arid to semi-arid regions near permanent creeks in rocky canyons in the Big Bend area of Texas.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place from March to July with sufficient rain. Eggs are singly deposited into a jelly sac in the water.

Size. Hyla arenicolor reaches an adult size of 3-5 cm (1-2 in).

Calls.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Hyla chrysoscelis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hyla chrysoscelis

Common Name. Cope’s Gray Treefrog

General information. Hyla chrysoscelis is nocturnal and forage in the trees and shrubs, descending to the ground only to breed.

Protected status. Cope’s Gray Treefrog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Relatively large treefrog with large toe pads and a warty dorsal surface. Although these are two separate species, they are often mistaken one for the other. Because of their amazing physical similarities, as well as that of habitat and range, the only way to distinguish them externally is by call. Hyla versicolor has a slow trill, while Hyla chrysoscelis has a faster, higher pitched trill. Therefore, the diagnostic features, natural history, and range listed here apply to both species

Coloration. Background color is usually gray or olive green, but highly variable with environment. Bright orange or yellow color on hidden surfaces of thighs Discernible light spot between the eye and lip Dark bars on hind limbs.

General distribution. In North America, Hyla chrysoscelis/H. versicolor is found from Maine in the north and northern Florida in the south, to just west of the Mississippi River.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hyla chrysoscelis/H. versicolor is found in the eastern half of the state.

Habitat. Hyla chrysoscelis is typically found in wooded areas, often near rivers and creeks .

Reproduction. Breeding occurs from March to July, depending on the temperature.

Size. Hyla chrysoscelis/H. versicolor reaches an adult size between 3-5 cm (1-2 in).

Calls.

Hyla cinerea

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hyla cinerea

Common Name. Green Treefrog

General information. Hyla cinerea is nocturnal and tends to walk, rather than simply leaping. This treefrog feeds on various insects.

Protected status. The Green Treefrog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slim, smooth body and large finger and toe pads.

Coloration. Typically bright green, with lateral stripes of white or yellow coloration Lateral stripes usually extend to groin, but may be much shorter, or even lacking Many individuals have small yellow dorsal spots White lips.

General distribution. In North America, Hyla cinerea is found in the deep South, from Maryland to Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hyla cinerea is primarily restricted to the eastern third of the state, including central and south Texas. Unfortunately, this species has been introduced to Big Bend National Park, well outside of its native distribution.

Habitat. Hyla cinerea prefers wet or moist areas such as swamps, lake sides, and the edges of streams, though it may occasionally be found in brackish water.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs form March to October. Males call just before dark. Eggs are laid in a jelly envelope attached to floating plants.

Size. Hyla cinerea reaches an adult size between 3-6 cm (1-2.5 in).

Calls.

Hyla squirella

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hyla squirella

Common Name. Squirrel Treefrog

General information. Hyla squirella is nocturnal and aggressively forages for insects in trees and shrubs. In rainy weather, H. squirella can be found during the day, though in dry weather, it seeks shelter during the day.

Protected status. The Squirrel Treefrog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Relatively small treefrog with smooth skin and large toe pads

Coloration. Dorsal coloration can be highly variable Additionally, this treefrog has the ability to change colors and patterns. Sometimes a dark bar is present between the eyes and there may also be light lateral stripes.

General distribution. In North America, Hyla squirella is found in the deep South from Maryland to Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hyla squirella is found in the southeast portion of the state from Louisiana to Corpus Christi.

Habitat. Hyla squirella can be spotted in moist areas, in gardens, and on trees, shrubs, and vines.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place from March to October. Single eggs are laid in shallow pools.

Size. The smallest treefrog in Texas, Hyla squirella only reaches an adult length of 2-4 cm (1-1.5in).

Calls.

Hyla versicolor

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hyla versicolor

Common Name. Gray Treefrog

General information. Hyla versicolor is nocturnal and forage in the trees and shrubs, descending to the ground only to breed.

Protected status. The Gray Treefrog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Comparatively large treefrog with large toe pads and a warty dorsal surface. Although these are two separate species, they are often mistaken one for the other. Because of their amazing physical similarities, as well as that of habitat and range, the only way to distinguish between them is by call. Hyla versicolor has a slow trill, while Hyla chrysoscelis has a faster, higher pitched trill. Therefore, the diagnostic features, natural history, and range listed here apply to both species

General distribution. In North America, Hyla chrysoscelis/H. versicolor is found from Maine in the north and northern Florida in the south, to just west of the Mississippi River.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hyla chrysoscelis/H. versicolor is found in the eastern half of the state.

Habitat. Hyla versicolor is typically found in wooded areas, often near rivers and creeks.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs from March to July, depending on the temperature.

Size. Hyla versicolor reaches an adult size between 3-5 cm (1-2 in).

Calls.