Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2427583
Gray Treefrog
Hyla versicolorAlso known as Eastern Gray Treefrog, Common Gray Treefrog, Northern Gray Treefrog
Gray treefrogs possess remarkable camouflage, changing color from lichen-gray to bright green depending on ambient temperature, lighting, and background substrate. Large expanded toe pads allow them to scale smooth bark and vertical glass with ease while hunting insects high in the woodland canopy. During spring breeding choruses, males produce a loud, melodic trill from branches overhanging woodland pools.
ArborealCamouflagedNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Snails
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Birds
- Small Mammals
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, wetland drainage, and chemical pollution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, wooded swamps, suburban gardens, and temporary woodland pools
Life span7 to 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHylidae
- SpeciesHyla versicolor
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Skin secretions can irritate eyes or open wounds; wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Why it is dangerous
- Skin secretions contain mild toxins that irritate eyes, nose, and open cuts if touched.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by gray to green mottled skin, yellow or orange patches inside the thighs, and prominent toe pads.
- What to do
- Observe from a safe distance without handling, or wash hands immediately with water after accidental contact.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Listen for loud, melodic trills high in trees near wetlands on humid spring and summer evenings.
- Check outdoor lighting: Search near porch lights after dusk where frogs gather on window screens to hunt insects.
- Minimize handling: Avoid holding with bare hands because skin lotions and chemicals easily damage their permeable skin.
Frequent Companion (c) Fredlyfish4, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion Cephas / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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