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Cope's Gray Treefrog
Hyla chrysoscelis
34.06, -84.6
Field Notes
Description:
Gray Treefrogs are the fairly large treefrogs (1.25 - 2 in; 3.2 - 5.1 cm) with large toe pads and granular skin. They are heavier-bodied than Pine Woods or Squirrel Treefrogs, with which they can be confused. They vary in color from mottled gray to light green but their color can change depending on environment and activity. There is usually a light spot beneath eye and the inner thigh is bright yellow or orange when exposed.
Habitat:
Gray Treefrogs are found throughout the Southeast except for peninsular Florida including nearly all of SC and GA. This is the most common treefrog species in the Piedmont and Mountain regions of our area. They are found in a variety of wooded habitats but are most common in mature deciduous forest. Gray Treefrogs generally breed in fishless wetlands.
Notes:
Interesting Facts: Hyla chrysoscelis is morphologically indistinguishable from H. versicolor and two species are also sympatric throughout much of their ranges. Once thought to be single species, recent genetic work revealed H. chrysoscelis to be diploid and H. versicolor to be tetraploid. Two species are best distinguished be call; H. chrysoscelis has a faster trill than H. versicolor.
Spotted on my back deck hanging out in a planter with a trailing vine beside a bucket full of rainwater and leaf debris. I was going to dump the bucket, but I think I might leave it for the frog. Those are my fingers it's sitting on. This was a tiny treefrog! (Sorry I didin't get a picture of the color on the legs, but it was so tiny I was afraid I would hurt it.)
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