Gray Treefrog

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​​​​​​​​​ 3875 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48104


734.794.6627

Tina Stephens,
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Becky Hand,
Stewardship Specialist

Rachel Maranto,
NAP Supervisor


Hyla versicolor or Hyla chrysoscelis

Identifying Feat​​ures

  • 1.5 to 2 inches long; has large, sticky toe pads.
  • Ability to change color from grey to green to brown; amount of time needed to change color is influenced by temperature and humidity.
  • Common throughout most of our area.
  • Deciduous forests, farm wood lots, swamps: almost anywhere that suitable breeding ponds are adjacent to trees or shrubs. Herbicide and pesticide applications to trees and shrubs near wetlands can be harmful.
  • Mucus produced on toe pads enhances surface tension and allows frogs to climb smooth surfaces.
  • In winter they hibernate on land, under logs, leaf litter, and in hollow trees. Can tolerate sub-freezing temperatures by producing large amounts of glycerol in blood and body tissues, which prevents ice from forming in the body cells.

Cal​​​l

  • Low, melodic trill, similar to the call of a red-bellied woodpecker.

Breed​ing

  • Temporary ponds, swamps, flooding and shallow edges of permanent lakes are used for breeding.
  • May emerge from dormancy early in spring, although rarely call until late April or early May.  Breeding extends into late June or early July.
  • “Satellite males” often take over prime calling sites when another male leaves the site.
  • Females deposit 1000-2000 eggs, divided into loose clusters of 10-40 eggs, which are usually attached to plants or other objects near the water’s surface.

Develop​ment

  • Eggs hatch in 3-7 days depending on water temperature.
  • Tadpoles transform into frogs in 6-8 weeks.
  • Sexual maturity is reached after their second winter.

Habitat T​​ype

  • Ephemeral wetlands.
  • Permanent wetlands.
  • Forests.