Green Tree Frog

Range

The dryophytes cinereus occupies much of southeastern and Central United States. They can be found in Central Texas East to Florida, up to Southern New Jersey and West to as far as Delaware.

Habitats

The American green tree frog can be found in places with floating vegetation, grasses, marshes and water bodies such as streams, ponds and your backyard swimming pool. They are nocturnal and feed primarily on insects. They make great beginners pets but do not do too well with a lot of handling. They are oviparous and breed once in a year. The female can lay several clutches during the mating season and a clutch can contain up to 400 eggs depending on her size.

Identification

The green tree frog is about 2.5 inches. They are usually in different shades of green ranging from yellowish green to lime green. The underside is pale yellow to white. Their colors change with the temperature. They have a pale yellow, white or cream line which runs from the jaw to the groin. The skin is smooth and they have big toe pads. The male has a wrinkled throat and is usually smaller than the female.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians