Gray Tree Frog
The
chameleon of the frog world. That's how some people describe the
gray tree frog – a name that implies this animal is always the
same color, and ignores its ability to adapt to backgrounds
ranging from gray to green.
With a white spot under both eyes, a white belly and
yellowish-orange markings on the inside of its hind legs, the
gray tree frog is a handsome and exotic-looking amphibian.
Closer examination reveals large adhesive pads on the end of its
toes, which allow it to cling to vertical surfaces. But,
certainly, this amphibian's most curious feature is its ability
to change colors much like the more-famous lizard with the same
trait, the chameleon.
Though common throughout much of the southern United States, the
gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) has been found as far north as
the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Manitoba. In
Oklahoma, they live wherever they find small ponds, roadside
ditches and other pools of standing water. The best habitat is
shallow water located close to mixed stands of willows, oaks and
pines. The frogs also prefer lots of overhead vegetation, and
fallen branches or extensive vegetation along the water’s edge.
They often congregate in areas with an abundance of shrubs and
vines.
During the day, gray tree frogs hide on or beneath rough tree
bark, in hollow trees and on leaves. They tolerate high
temperatures quite well, and they're most active during the
summer, when humidity is high.
Their remarkable ability to climb or rest on vertical surfaces
is the result of a mucous layer produced by toe pad cells. This
mucous creates a sticky bond with the vertical surface that’s
strong enough to support the frog’s weight.
In regard to diet, the gray tree frog is an opportunistic feeder
that eats mostly insects, spiders and other invertebrates.
This frog’s breeding season lasts from early April through July.
Males begin calling at breeding sites when night air
temperatures reach around 60 degrees. Their calls resemble
musical, birdlike or buzzing trills, and the chorus attracts
females to the site. The frogs then breed in water.
Afterwards, each female may produce between 700 and 3,800 eggs,
and biologists have documented individual frogs producing
multiple clutches in a single season. Eggs are light brown, and
they measure barely 1/25-inch in diameter.
After they are deposited, the eggs attach to floating vegetation
in clumps of 30 to 40 eggs. They hatch in only four or five
days, and the tadpoles completely metamorphose within two
months. Young frogs typically stay near the breeding site for
the remainder of summer.
Fortunately, most land use practices are not detrimental to the
gray tree frog’s survival, as long as some shallow ditches or
ponds are left undisturbed. The gray tree frog is an interesting
component of Oklahoma’s natural world, and discovering one can
be the highlight of an outing. So, while you’re out this summer,
keep a sharp eye out for the chameleon of the frog world – the
gray tree frog – which may be gray or green or anything
in-between.