Gray Treefrog

Description:

The Eastern Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) and the Cope's Gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) can only be distinguished by their different calls (or through microscopic inspection of the chromosomes). Hyla versicolor has a slow trill, while Hyla chrysoscelis has a faster, higher pitched trill. Some research suggests that Hyla chrysoscelis may be smaller and more tolerant to lower elevations and dryer conditions. Gray treefrogs are nocturnal and spend their day resting in trees and shrubs. At night they search for food which includes ants, beetles, spiders & moths. One study has shown that prey is not selected by its size, but by its activity level, the most active were pursued and eaten more frequently. The very large adhesive pads on the ends of their toes allow them to easily scale either rough or smooth vertical surfaces, giving them the ability to quickly maneuver through vegetation in trees in order to catch prey.

Habitat:

Eastern North America as far west as Texas. Wooded areas often close to swamps or other water sources including roadside ditches & swimming pools.

Notes:

Other observations & information for the Gray treefrog: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/103... http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/796...