|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The Cope's gray treefrog is identical to the gray treefrog. However, it only has half the chromosomes of the gray treefrog.
Scientifically speaking, only members of the Ranidae family are true frogs. In Ohio, this includes the bullfrog, green frog, leopard frog, pickerel frog, and wood frog. The others belong to the Hylidae family which includes the tree, chorus, and cricket frog. In general, frogs tend to have moist, relatively smooth skin and leap.
|
|
Cope's Gray Treefrog
Hyla chrysoscelis
At-a-Glance
• Family: Hylidae (Frogs)
• Length: 1.25-2 inches
• Peak Breeding Activity: April-August
• Incubation: 3-7 days
• Number of offspring: 1000-2000
|
|
Description
The Cope's gray treefrog changes colors from gray-green to a light pearl-gray, depending on its background. It has a light-colored spot on each side of the head, beneath the eyes and a bright yellow coloration on the inside surface of the thighs. Well developed, sticky adhesive toe discs enable the gray treefrog to climb rapidly.
Habitat and Habits
This frog lives aloft, calling out from trees and shrubs near water, especially just before or after a summer rain. It has a loud trill call, one to three seconds in duration. The Cope's gray treefrog’s trill rate is faster and less melodious than the trill rate of the gray treefrog. While the gray treefrog is found throughout Ohio, Cope's gray treefrog is restricted to the southern one-third of the state.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
These frogs seldom come down from the trees except during breeding season when they congregate at ponds. A successful male may fertilize many clutches. After a few days, tadpoles emerge from the eggs. Metamorphosis occurs at about six weeks of age. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|