Gray tree frog facts
Scientific name of gray tree frog: Hyla versicolor
Kingdom of gray tree frog: Animalia
Phylum gray tree frog: Chordata
Class gray tree frog: Amphibia
Order gray tree frog: Anura
Family gray tree frog: Hyladae
Genus gray tree frog: Hyla
Species gray tree frog: H versicolor
Pictures of gray tree frog
Some more exciting facts about gray tree frog
- They usually like to live in low temperatures, preferably, less than 8 degree Celsius.
- They are also popularly known as the North American tree frog.
- One cannot differentiate between gray tree frog and copes gray tree frog. They can only be identified by their calls.
Distribution of gray tree frog
This is really an exhilarating topic for a tree frog analyst. The gray tree frog belongs to the category of the tree frog. Both of them look alike. The gray tree frogs mostly dwell in parts of eastern USA and centraldivisions in southeastern Canada. It were the European frog experts who coined the name of the gray tree frog.
They are often also referred to as the eastern gray tree frog, common gray tree frog etc.
Characteristics of Gray tree frog
These species is small yet they have an awesome ability to change the skin colorbetween ray to green in their smallish structures. They are sexually present in two forms. The males are smaller than the females. You can easily segregate malesfrom females by checkingthe coloraround their throat. The male has black grey colored throat while the females do not produce the croaking sound.
Initially, the juvenile ones are green in color; they become gray colored as they attain adulthood.
Color of the gray tree frog: These species have an astounding capability to camouflage themselves. Infact, the change in color depends on the surface on which they have been sitting. Moreover,skin of this tree frog variant is very rough and has a pattern of a marble on it.
When these species leap, their hind legs dotted with bright yellow orange blotches become visible.
Size of the gray tree frog: The size of the gray tree frog varies between 3.8 to 5.1 cms.
Toe pads of the gray tree frog: These species have strong toe pads that help them to climb the trees.
Habitat of the gray tree frog
These species prefer to dwell in the forested areas& shrubs. The gray tree frogs are mostly found in the eastern USA and parts of central Texas. They are also common in parts of Qubec, Manitoba, Ontario.
Food habits of the gray tree frog
The gray tree frogs like to have invertebrates and insects as a diet. In addition to this, they like to feed on worms, silkworms and crickets.
Mating season of the gray tree frog
The mating season usually starts from spring and continues up to summer in most places. However, in Texas, the time of the mating season starts from March and continues up to May. During the period of mating season, the males prefer to relax in shrubs always close to the water. The females seldom make visits to the ponds except when they are expecting to lay eggs .The female counterpart always like to lay eggs in temporary water areas like ponds, rivers and ditches. The eggs once laid cling to the vegetation that is under water. Overall the females lay about 2000 eggs. Each egg takes about 4 days, on an average, to hatch, and rely on the temperature of the area. The juvenile ones transform generally within 2 months.
Behavior of the gray tree frog
The gray tree frogs usually prefer to come out during the nighttime and like to reside on the top of the trees. They are on the earthonly during mating season.
Adaptation of gray tree frog
Their outstanding capability to camouflage helps them to protect themselves from predators. Moreover, they also possess bright yellow colored blotches on the inner portion of their thighs that match the sunlit grass.
Hibernation of gray tree frogs
These species always hibernate in the roots of the trees or leaves in the months of winter.Their bodies are so uniquely designed that they can resist a temperature of 8 degree Celsius. In order to prevent the cells from getting damaged due to the formation of ice crystals on the skin, their body releases a chemical called cyroprotectants. Additionally, their body also produces glucose that helps the organs from freezing.
Caring of gray tree frog
The gray tree frogs are constantly in great demand amongst the pet lovers. In order to nurture this beautiful creature, you need to keep in mind just a few simple facts:
Habitat of the gray tree frog
These species are easy to manage and should be kept in at least a 15 gallon water tank. These creatures always like to move around so it is necessary to have large space for them. An environmentwhich is congenial to their health is desirable. The same can be easily done with assistance of small sticks& plants. In the bottom of the tank, it is good to use fiber from coconut or potting soil.
Food habits of gray tree frog
The gray tree frog can be easily fed on crickets, flies and other insects. Water provision needs to be so designed that their bodies are well hydrated.
Humidity required
Proper humidity level needs to be maintained. These species prefer to stay in wet areas. Therefore, humidity level preferred should be anything above 60 %.
Lighting and temperature required
The gray tree frog cannot withstand a temperature more than 80 degree Fahrenheit. A good arrangement of UV lights is preferable to allow plants to grow well within the tank.
Some necessary suggestions
Try to provide them a serene environment and keep them away from direct rays of sunlight. Interestingly, the gray tree frog should be kept away from the television.
Lifespan of gray tree frog
These species live for about 8 years.
Conservation status
These speciesare not threatened.
My expertise in amphibians spans from their taxonomy to their behavior, habitat, and care in captivity. The Gray tree frog, scientifically known as Hyla versicolor, holds a fascinating spot in the realm of amphibians. Their taxonomy, which you've mentioned, reflects their classification within the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Amphibia class, Anura order, Hylidae family, Hyla genus, and H. versicolor species.
Characteristics of the Gray tree frog encompass their exceptional ability to change skin color from gray to green, a trait exhibited especially during their transition from juveniles to adults. Sexually dimorphic, males and females can be distinguished by throat color, with males showcasing a darker hue. Juveniles start green and shift to gray as they mature. Their size ranges between 3.8 to 5.1 centimeters, and they possess distinct yellow-orange blotches on their hind legs.
Habitat preferences place them in forested areas, shrubs, and specific regions of the eastern USA, central Texas, southeastern Canada, Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario. They're adept climbers due to their strong toe pads, aiding in their arboreal lifestyle.
Feeding habits of Gray tree frogs include an omnivorous diet consisting of insects, invertebrates, worms, silkworms, and crickets.
Mating seasons typically span from spring to summer, varying slightly in different regions. During this time, males congregate near water bodies while females lay around 2000 eggs in temporary water areas, relying on vegetation for support. Juveniles hatch within approximately four days and undergo metamorphosis in about two months.
Their behavior primarily involves nocturnal activity, residing atop trees except during the mating season. They exhibit remarkable adaptations for survival, notably their camouflage abilities and bright thigh blotches, which aid in evading predators.
Hibernate during winter, these frogs have adapted mechanisms to endure low temperatures, employing cryoprotectants to prevent tissue damage from freezing.
In captivity, maintaining a suitable habitat is crucial, including a 15-gallon tank with ample space, vegetation, humidity levels above 60%, temperatures below 80°F, and UV lighting to sustain plant life. Additionally, providing a serene environment, away from direct sunlight and electronics like television, is beneficial for their well-being.
Their lifespan averages around 8 years, and fortunately, the conservation status of Gray tree frogs currently shows no immediate threat.
This comprehensive overview integrates taxonomy, behavior, habitat, feeding habits, reproduction, adaptations, care in captivity, and conservation status of the Gray tree frog.
