Gray Tree Frogs

A gray tree frog is one of the largest species of frogs in the Eastern U.S.A and South Eastern Canada. Unlike the name suggests this frog specie has numerous interesting colors. Gray tree frogs can change their color according to their surroundings and temperature. These frogs mostly spend their time on tree branches, with their sticky and adaptive feet helping them move around branches and navigate their surroundings. 

Gray tree frog Quick Facts

Common name	Gray tree frog
Scientific name	Dryophytes versicolor (formerly Hyla versicolor)
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Amphibia
Order	Anura
Family	Hylidae
Genus	Dryophytes
Conservation status	Least Concern
Type	Amphibian
Diet	Insects, larvae and spiders; sometimes smaller frogs
Habitat	Trees in woods and farmland, near ponds
Native range	Eastern USA and southeastern Canada
Size	1.25–2.25 inches
Lifespan	7–9 years
Colours	Gray, brown or green; changes colour

Gray Tree Frogs Appearance 

The colour of typical gray tree frogs may vary from brown to grey or even green. It’s not necessary for these frogs to always have a consistent gray colour. As mentioned before, it depends on the type of environment. For instance, to hide from its predator, a gray frog will change its colour into that of a tree branch. There are white spots under their eyes and dark stripes underneath them, stretching all the way to the front of their legs. Similar to the adults, even the tadpoles have inconsistent colours ranging from brown to olive. 

Their belly also resembles the white and pale color, and may reveal a black throat when the male frog is calling to mate. These gray frogs range from 1.25 inches to 2.25 inches in size, making one of the larger species. Compared to most other frogs that live on trees, gray tree frogs are also heavier, larger,, and bulkier. 

Behavior of a Gray Tree Frog

Gray frog is not a social species and often likes to spend time alone. Only during the breeding season do they spend time together. Throughout the day, gray tree frogs often hide from their predators under the bark, rotten logs, and leaves. These frogs often hunt late at night when there is little to no threat from predators. 

Gray tree frogs have almost a bird-like calling, which can sometimes last for hours. These frogs use these callings to assert dominance and mark their breeding territory. Most of the time, they are calm. However, males can be aggressive in the breeding season when they feel the need to defend their territory. 

In winters, these frogs start to hibernate, allowing up to about two-thirds of the water in their body to freeze and still survive the winter. 

Gray Tree Frogs Habitat

The gray tree frogs are very common in the the United States and Canada. They are mostly popular in wooded areas such as dense forests and agricultural lands. Similar to other frogs, they won’t be far away from a water source like a pond. 

When gray tree frogs are young, they like to spend more time on the forest floor, but as they develop into adults, they move onto a forest canopy. In summers, when their population develops quickly, it is not uncommon for people to see them on their windows and backyards searching for food. 

Gray Tree Frogs Eating Habits 

The adult gray frogs prey on any insects and their larvae. Since these frogs mostly spend their time on trees, they can easily find moths, crickets, flies, spiders,, and beetles. But on certain occasions, they may prey on the smaller specie of frogs. These frogs are nocturnal, so they hunt at night. As tadpoles, these frogs only eat algae that are found in the ponds and swamps. 

Reproduction and Life Cycle 

The reproduction process begins when the male frog calls out for mating during the early spring after waking up from hibernation. While most of the reproduction takes place early on in April, it may stretch all the way to August. Male gray frogs are very protective of their territory and may fight off any other male trying to get in. 

Usually, the fight may last 20-30 seconds which include shoving, head-butting, and pushing until one male retreats.  

Similar to other frogs, gray tree frogs mate in the Amplexus position. A typical female can deposit around 1000-2000 eggs at a time, which the male frog proceeds to fertilize. The female proceeds to lay these eggs in water with a protective mucous layer over them. The tadpoles hatch within a week, depending on water temperature. The process of tadpoles developing into frogs may take a few months. And within 2 years, they become sexually matured adult frogs. Overall, their lifespan can exceed 7-9 years, both for males and females frogs. 

Predators and Threats 

Although these frogs are very common in the regions of U.S.A and Canada, their population seems to be shrinking. Experts believe that the main cause of this issue is due to habitat loss, pollution, predators and different funguses. Many animals in the forest prey on these frogs. These include:

• Snakes
• Birds
• Small Mammals
• Other Specie of Frogs

Even though populations of these frogs are reducing, they are not at risk of extinction. 

Gray Tree Frogs FAQ

Gray tree frogs survive in the forest due to their special jumping techniques and sticky feet. Mostly, they are recognized as a harmless specie of frogs and live their life in solitude. Overall, these frogs live an average lifespan which can significantly increase in captivity. 

Below, we have mentioned some of the most common questions related to these frogs: 

Gray Tree Frogs Pictures