Cope's Gray Treefrog/Eastern Gray Treefrog

Description:

Cope’s gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) and eastern gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) are members of a cryptic, diploid-tetraploid species complex. This has resulted in considerable taxonomic confusion, especially in early reports. As a result of this confusion, many authors have chosen to combine the accounts and distributions of these species. In this account, I have attempted to separate, as much as possible, the literature related to H. chrysoscelis and H. versicolor. For categories where data are lacking or where there is a question regarding the species identification, data from the sister species are reported. This approach is at least partially validated by the genetic analysis of this complex by Ptacek et al. (1994) and the growth and development studies of Ptacek (1996).

Habitat:

During the breeding season, Cope's gray treefrogs are found calling near the edges of ponds, ephemeral wetlands, and ditches, and from floating algae and emergent vegetation (Fellers, 1979b; Godwin and Roble, 1983; Conant and Collins, 1998; personal observations). At dusk, Cope's gray treefrogs begin calling from high in the trees surrounding a pond. As the evening progresses, individuals move down the trees (sometimes calling along the way) until they reach lower branches or shrubs, or they continue until they reach the ground and move to a point usually within 1.5 m of the water’s edge (personal observations). Fellers (1979b) detailed calling site characteristics

Notes:

In Tennessee, genetic studies and sonal analyses suggest that Hyla versicolor is found primarily in the southwestern portion of the state. But more studies need to be conducted before the range of each species is clear in Tennessee.