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Species Description

Green Treefrog

Hyla cinerea

Classification

Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae

Description

Skin usually a bright green, but can vary from yellowish to a dull greenish gray. A prominent white stripe extends from the mouth along the side of the body. The length of the stripe is variable. It usually extends almost to the thigh, but is absent in some populations. There may be small gold spots on the back. The belly color is light cream to green. A moderate - sized, slender treefrog, 3.2 - 5.7 cm (1 1/4 - 2 1/4 in) in length.

Life Cycle

This frog breeds from March through October. Fertilization is external. Females lay up to 400 eggs in shallow water with aquatic vegetation. Hatching occurs within a week and transformation occurs in two months. Calling and egg-laying are particularly frequent after rainstorms.

Range

The Green Treefrog is abundant throughout the Coastal Plain and is also found in the Piedmont of Georgia.

Conservation Status

This is a common frog that is under no threat at present. Preservation of wetlands and the vegetation borders around wetlands will protect its habitat.

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