Pacific Tree Frog
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The Pacific Tree Frog (Hyla Regilla), a small frog found in ponds and other small watering holes throughout the West Coast, is well known for its vocalizations.
Sometimes called the Pacific Chorus Frog, they can really croak up a symphony of sound during the night hours.
While the picture shows a specimen with a green body and dark stripe that starts at the nose and runs behind the eye, it's only one of many different looks the frog can take.
In fact, environmental factors such as background light can change the color of the frog's skin from green to brown to rust, and any combination, in a matter of hours. Scientists believe that the frog's color changing ability acts as a passive defense mechanism, protecting it from predators, such as garter snakes.
Their diet consists of insects and other small aquatic organisms.
In 2007, Washington State designated the Pacific chorus frog its official state amphibian.
© 2005-2011 Patricia A. Michaels