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Gray Tree Frog

Gray Tree Frog

Hyla versicolor

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Amphibia
Order Anura
Family Hylidae
Genus Hyla
Species H.versicolor
Lifespan 7 to 9 years
Size 1 to 2 inches long
Offspring Females attached up to 2,000 eggs to vegetation in shallow waters.
Status Widespread and secure
Gray Tree Frog

About Gray Tree Frogs

What do gray tree frogs look like?

Gray tree frogs are typically a light brown-gray or green-gray color. Their skin has various dark patches and is a rough texture. On their inner thighs, a bright yellow or orange coloration is present. Below each eye is a light spot with a dark edge.

Where do gray tree frogs live?

Gray tree frogs are found in forest areas near water. They typically reside on small trees or shrubs, as well as loose bark, tree cavities, or rotting logs. True to their name, gray tree frogs are rarely spotted on the ground. Their range extends across most of the eastern United States.

What do gray tree frogs eat?

Gray tree frogs consume small insects, spiders, snails, and mites. Unlike many other native New Hampshire frogs and toads, gray tree frogs do not eat aquatic animals.


Fun Facts!

  • Gray tree frogs play an important role in the ecosystem. They help to control insect populations by preying on them. So next time you see a gray tree frog, say thank you to them for keeping insect populations at bay!
  • A variety of different animals prey on gray tree frogs. This includes skunk, Virginia opossums, raccoons, and snakes. To avoid predation, gray tree frogs use their yellow-orange streaks on their thighs to confuse predators when they're under attack.
  • There are two species of gray tree frogs, the eastern gray tree frog and the Cope's gray tree frog. There are two differences between these two species: their mating calls and their number of chromosomes (the structures that carry DNA). The eastern gray tree frog is most common in New Hampshire and the Cope's gray tree frog is more abundant further south.

Mammals

American Mink
American Mink
Black Bear
Black Bear
Bobcat
Bobcat
Coyote
Coyote
Fisher
Fisher
Gray Fox
Gray Fox
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Red Fox
Red Fox
River Otter
River Otter
White-footed Mouse
White-footed Mouse
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer

Birds

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Goshawk
Goshawk
Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture

Reptiles and Amphibians

American Bullfrog
American Bullfrog
Gray Tree Frog
Gray Tree Frog
Green Frog
Green Frog
Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle
Spotted Turtle
Spotted Turtle

Fish

Brook Trout
Spotted Turtle
Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch
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