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Gray Tree frog

Hyla versicolor

Photo by SarahWhitt
Published on Project Noah
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38.5969, -82.3557

Field Notes

Description:

The Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) or Gray Tree Frog, is a species of small arboreal frog native to much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.[2]

It is sometimes referred to as the Eastern Gray Treefrog, Common Gray Treefrog, or Tetraploid Gray Treefrog to distinguish it from its more southern genetically disparate cousin, the Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). It may sometimes be referred to as the North American Tree Frog by Europeans to distinguish it from their European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea).

Habitat:

In barn between rafter & roof.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

It certainly makes you wonder what they're doing with their eyes closed. I believe he was well aware of my presence! I like your take on it, though!
I had two of these frogs (or the Copes) sit all summer on a yard light at one of the places I used to work. I'm sure that at night they were active and fed on moths and other insects attracted to the light--typically they call at dusk and after dark. They all look sleepy during the day. I'm not sure if they are sleeping or closing their eyes hoping if they can't see the person then maybe the person can't see them...grin.
Oh Thank you Gordon! I will do some research & see what I can come up with. I didn't want to disturb him. He looked as if he were sleeping. :) So, unfortunately, I'll not be able to determine him by his "call".
This is probably a Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor). There is another look-alike frog, however, the Copes Gray Treefrog in your area. Their calls are somewhat different and, in the field, it is the only way to tell them apart as they look so similar.
Photographed
PublishedJune 14, 2011

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