Gray treefrog - Hyla chrysoscelis & Hyla versicolor

Green adult treefrog on plant.

Description:

  • 1.25-2.25 inches total length
  • Found in woodlands and woodland edge - arboreal
  • Tolerant of high temperatures
  • Breed in stream pools, ponds, and temporary pools
  • Feed on terrestrial and flying insects
  • Produce a mild skin toxin when disturbed
  • Can change colors from solid green to mottled grey/green to better blend into their surroundings

Adult treefrog colored gray and green

Interesting fact:

  • There are two species of gray treefrog in eastern Kansas, Cope's (Hyla chrysoscelis) and Eastern (Hyla versicolor). They are indistinguishable except for the number of chromosomes. H. chrysoscelis are diploid (have 2 copies of each chromosome) and H. versicolor are tetraploid (have 4 copies of each chromosome).

Range map in Kansas:

tree-map

More images:

Tadpole of the gray treefrog