Gray Treefrog

Scientific Name: Eastern Gray Treefog - Hyla versicolor / Cope’s Gray Treefrog - Hyla chrysoscelis
Size: 1.6-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Deciduous woodlands near ponds, pools or ditches. Mating Season: Lower vegetation of old fields, meadows, ecotonal habitats.

Colorations:

  • The dorsal background color is light gray to dark to greenish gray with a dark central blotch that has projecting branches that may be wavy or straight. These branches may often be broken.
  • The top of the head and eyelids have dark spots.
  • The dorsal surface of the legs has dark crossbars.
  • The sides of the head are darker than the top with a white, black bordered spot just below the eyes.
  • The ventral chest and belly area are cream-colored, and the groin, underside, and back of the thighs having an orange or yellow color with black reticulated lines.

Characteristics:

  • The body is moderately sized and flexible.
  • The head is broad with a blunt snout.
  • The eyes are large and positioned on the sides of the head.
  • The tympana is small and inconspicuous.
  • The dorsal skin is covered with small warts.
  • The ventral skin is granular.
  • The toe pads are twice the width of the toes.
  • The hind toes are webbed.
  • The legs and toes are long.

Tadpole coloration and characteristics:

  • Moderate-sized. Average 2-4 cm
  • The dorsum and sides are greenish in color with golden flecks.
  • The belly is cream colored.
  • The eyes are located on the sides of the head.
  • The tail is reddish is color.
  • The tail crest is somewhat translucent with large dark spots.

Confused with:

  • Northern Spring Peeper

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Wayne Fidler Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Wayne Fidler Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Wayne Fidler
Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Wayne Fidler Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Jeff Hankey Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Jeff Hankey
Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Jeff Hankey Eastern Gray Treefrog - By: Bob Hamilton Cope\'s Gray Treefrog - By: Bob Hamilton
Cope\'s Gray Treefrog - By: Bob Hamilton
Tadpoles
Eggs

Range Map:

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 144-148pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Wayne Fidler
  • Jeff Hankey
  • Bob Hamilton