Tree Frogs: Hylidae

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.

The green body and dark stripes along the eye give the Arizona tree frog (Hyla eximia) an appearance similar to other small Hyla species.

They are mountain dwelling tree frogs, found near streams and other water bodies in central Arizona. There's no mistaking them for any other frog in their range.

Their high altitude habitat means they are usually active only during the late spring and summer.

The Arizona Treefrog is the state amphibian of Arizona.

The Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) is a small frog that inhabits the rivers and stream banks of rocky areas in the desert Southwest.

Skin color varies from location to location, and it generally serves as an effective camouflage against predators.

Their diet consists of the aquatic and terrestrial insects in their territory.

They are considered nocturnal, but are active during the day in milder climates within their range.

The Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), a non-native species, was introduced to Southern Florida in the early Twentieth Century.

It has subsequently expanded its territory to include most of the Florida peninsula.

Cuban Tree Frog's are also the largest tree frog species in the United States, and its presence in Florida is a cause for concern that it may be displacing some native tree frog species.

They range in color from the light tan specimen in the top picture, to a darker shade of spotted green.

Most practice nocturnal behavior, sleeping in trees and shrubs during the day and perching on walls and ceilings during the warn night hours.

© 2005-2012 Patricia A. Michaels