North American tree frog
North American tree frogs are small, nocturnal amphibians that inhabit trees and are known for their distinctive calls. Depending on the species, they range in size from 1.5 to 5.5 inches (4 to 14 centimeters) and can be green or brown, with some species featuring unique markings, such as the spring peeper's cross-shaped back. These frogs are part of the Hylidae family and are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects like flies, leafhoppers, and beetles using their long, sticky tongues to catch prey.
In the spring, after hibernation, North American tree frogs congregate near water to mate and lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch into tadpoles within 10 to 12 days. These tadpoles undergo metamorphosis over one to two months, eventually becoming adult frogs. Their lifespan typically ranges from two to six years, depending on the species. Known for their vocalizations, species such as the spring peeper and the Pacific tree frog play important roles in their ecosystems and are culturally recognized, with the latter being featured in various media due to its prominent call.
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North American tree frog
North American tree frogs are small, nocturnal, or night-active, frogs that live among the branches and leaves of trees. They are green or brown, depending on the species, and have various calls, or sounds.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
North American tree frogs are small green or brown frogs that grow between 1 1/2 and 5 1/2 inches (4 and 14 centimeters) long, depending on the species. Some species also have lined or blotched markings along their backs such as the spring peeper. The spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) has the species name crucifer, or cross-bearer. It was given this name for the cross-shaped marking on its back. Another species with an interesting marking is the American green tree frog (Dryophytes cinereus). It has a white stripe running down each side of its body. North American tree frogs have slender bodies with slim legs and splayed, or separated, toes. Each toe has a small, round pad that helps them grip smooth surfaces, such as leaves. Like many frogs, North American tree frogs also have vocal sacs that inflate when making their calls.
Various species of North American tree frogs are well-known throughout their range for their calls. The calls of the spring peepers in eastern North America and Canada are believed to be a sign of the coming of spring. Farther west, in the hills around Hollywood, the Pacific tree frog (Pseudacris regilla) is known for its loud, two-part, musical call. The sounds of Pacific tree frogs can be heard in the soundtracks of many movies, earning it the nickname Pacific chorus frog.
As their name suggests, North American tree frogs live in trees. They are nocturnal, or night-active, creatures that spend their evenings and nights hunting small insects throughout the forests. Being carnivorous, or meat-eating, animals, North American tree frogs feed mainly on flies, leafhoppers, and beetles. Like other frogs, the North American tree frog catches its prey by whipping out its long, sticky tongue. An insect gets stuck to the frog's tongue and is pulled back into the animal's mouth.
In the spring, after the winter hibernation, or long rest, North American tree frogs gather by pools of water to mate and lay eggs. As the female lays hundreds, or even thousands, of eggs the male fertilizes them. The eggs have an incubation period, or growth period, between 10 and 12 days. After incubation, tiny tadpoles with tails emerge from the eggs. These tadpoles spend one or two months in the water, before metamorphosing, or changing, into fully formed North American tree frogs. During this process, the tadpoles grow legs and absorb their tails back into their bodies. After their metamorphosis, young frogs hop out of the water and begin living in the woodlands. They hibernate for the winter and awake in the spring to mate for the first time.
The lifespan of North American tree frogs varies between species. Most live for two to six years.
Bibliography
Ferguson, M., and S. Mullins. "Pseudacris Regilla." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pseudacris‗regilla. Accessed 15 May 2024.
Gordon, S., et al. "Pseudacris Crucifer." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pseudacris‗crucifer. Accessed 15 May 2024.
"Tree Frog." A-Z Animals, 6 Apr. 2023, a-z-animals.com/animals/tree-frog. Accessed 15 May 2024.