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Project Noah Nature School
Hyla chrysoscelis
About 2.5" long when in resting position. Bright green on back with distinct markings. Cream to pale yellow patch underneath eye.
In a tree along a Western Kentucky meadow's edge.
This bright green beauty can change colors in the blink of an eye to help provide camoflage from predators. Perhaps the most amazing thing about this particular species is its ability to freeze in the winter. The Cope's Gray Tree Frog produces large amounts of glycerol which is changed to glucose and circulated throughout the cells of its body. The glucose prevents ice crystals from forming in the cells (think antifreeze), which if allowed to form would rip the cells apart and kill the frog. The balance of the blood and water in the frog's body then freezes, and its breathing and heartbeat comes to a halt. Once the weather warms, the frog "thaws out" and resumes its normal activities.
Enjoy the picture and the caption. Cryogenics? That concept would interest a nurse wouldn't it?
Spotted on Sep 13, 2013
Submitted on Sep 14, 2013
