Cope's Gray Tree Frog
Hyla chrysoscelis
Summary 5
Cope's gray tree frog (Hyla chrysoscelis, also called the southern gray tree frog) is a species of tree frog found in the United States. It is almost indistinguishable from the gray tree frog, Hyla versicolor, and shares much of its geographic range. Both species are variable in color, mottled gray to gray-green, resembling the bark of trees. These are tree frogs of woodland habitats, though they will sometimes travel into more open areas. .
Physical Description 6
The gray tree frog is identical to Hyla versicolor in appearance but they do not interbreed. The two gray treefrog species can be distinguished genetically and by breeding call. The male mating call of Cope's gray treefrog (H. chrysoscelis) is shorter, harsher and more forceful than H. versicolor. It is a faster call averaging 45 trills/second. This species is generally slightly smaller than Hyla versicolor. Both species of gray treefrogs are well-camouflaged with colors ranging from gray to whitish, brown or green. This variation is dependent upon activities and environment. There is a white mark beneath the eyes, the concealed surfaces of the hind legs are bright orange or yellow. Dorsal skin is warty.
Reproduction 7
In regard to breeding, this species breeds between April to July and is usually not found outside of this period. During breeding season, the two species of gray treefrogs can be distinguished by their calls. The call of Cope's gray treefrog is described as a short vibrant flute-like trill of 45 trills per second. The female lays as many as 2,000 eggs in groups of 10-40 eggs. The eggs are attached to vegetation in the water. The tadpoles hatch in four or five days and change into froglets in about two months.
This species generally reaches sexual maturity at 1-2 years of age. Females lay clumps of 10 to 40 eggs on the surfaces of shallow ditches and small ponds. These eggs hatch in 4 or 5 days. Metamorphosis occurs in 45 to 64 days with newly transformed treefrogs measuring 13-20 mm long. This species may have two clutches per season. If it is late in the breeding season, the probability of obtaining a mate increased due to the presence of fewer males at the breeding pond site. 34.7% of a population of males successfully mated for an average of 1.28 matings per successful male. Eggs are laid in shallow bodies of water including ditches, ponds, and puddles.
Habitat 6
Eggs are laid in shallow bodies of water. They primarily forage while in trees or shrubs near to or standing in water. This species requires shallow standing water with fallen branches or extensive vegetation on its banks. Breeding occurs in shallow bodies of water including ditches, ponds, and puddles. It is frequently found in areas that have been recently disturbed but contain shrubs, herbaceous vegetation, and/or vines. The gray treefrog lives in moist, deciduous woodlands and swamps near water. It is also found in pine barrens.
Behavior 8
Cope's gray treefrog is nocturnal and spends the day resting in trees and shrubs. It only comes out of the trees and bushes during the breeding season and in the winter. During hibernation it lives under leaves, bark, or rocks on the forest floor. Cope's gray treefrog finds its food in the trees and shrubs. It eats moths, tree crickets, ants, flies, grasshoppers, and beetles.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Patrick Coin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/42264328@N00/98560515
- (c) John Brandauer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/brandauer/14505114899/
- (c) Dianne Frost, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/dkfrost/5886392304/
- (c) cotinis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/pcoin/2468491606/
- Adapted by TaelorJones from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyla_chrysoscelis
- (c) TaelorJones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Adapted by colbyb from a work by (c) TaelorJones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- (c) colbyb, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
