Fauna
Amphibian

European Tree Frog

Hyla arborea

Also known as Common Tree Frog, Rain Frog

European tree frogs are vibrant, emerald-green amphibians recognized by a bold dark stripe running from the nostril down each flank to the hip. Adhesive toe pads allow them to scale smooth leaves and branches with ease, living high in sunlit vegetation near breeding ponds. During spring twilight, males inflate huge throat sacs to produce loud, duck-like croaking choruses that echo across wetlands.

ArborealAmphibianVocal
European Tree Frog reference1 / 6
"European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), Province Limburg, Belgium" by Frank.Vassen is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlies, Beetles, Spiders
Predators
  • Grass Snake
  • Grey Heron
  • White Stork
ThreatsWetland drainage, agricultural pesticides, water pollution, road mortality
HabitatsDeciduous broadleaf forests, sunlit ponds, meadows, wetlands
Life span5–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyHylidae
  2. SpeciesHyla arborea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Small bright green frog with dark lateral stripes on flanks and suction-pad toes perched on sunlit leaves near water.
Support conservation
Keep a respectful distance, avoid disturbing breeding ponds, and never pick up wild frogs.
Responsible observation
  • Listening: Listen for their surprisingly loud, rhythmic croaking choruses on warm spring evenings near ponds.
  • Spotting: Look for bright green spots resting on sunny brambles, reeds, or low shrub branches near water.
  • Etiquette: Observe from a distance and avoid handling, as skin secretions and human chemicals easily cross amphibian skin.
Related species
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