Tree frog

Tree frog

All tree frogs belong to the family Hylidae in the order Anura. This family is extremely broad and contains a wide range of different frog species from all over the world. There are currently nearly 40 different genera to be found in this family. A lot of the tree frog species do not even live in trees, they are terrestrial or aquatic. In the genus Cyclorana you can even find burrowing frogs that sometimes stay below ground for many years.

To make the family Hylidae more manageable, it has been divided into 4 different subfamilies: Hylinae, Hemiphractinae, Pelodryadinae (Austro-Papuan tree frogs) and Phyllomedusinae (Leaf frogs). Below you will find more information about tow different Tree frogs from tow different subfamilies – Hylinae and Pelodryadinae.

Subfamily Hylinae: Cuban Tree Frog
The Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is the largest species of tree frogs in North America and will grow up to 1.5-5.5 inches in length. The females grow larger than the males. During the mating season, the males can be recognized on their dark throats and nuptial bands. Both sexes of Cuban Tree Frog display a molted pattern with small spots on their body and their legs are banded. Some specimens are decorated with yellow markings around their legs. The frog can switch colour depending on environment and display shades of gray, pale green or light brown.

The native range for the Cuban Tree Frog is Cuba and its neighbouring Caribbean islands. It has however been introduced to Florida in the United States by humans, and occasional specimens have been spotted in Georgia. This can turn into a problem for the native eco-system, because Cuban Tree Frogs eats virtually anything that they manage to catch and swallow. They do not hesitate to eat other frogs, including other Cuban Tree Frogs. They also eat insects, lizards, snakes and young birds.

Subfamily Pelodryadinae: Tasmanian Tree Frog
The Tasmanian Tree Frog (Litoria burrowsae) is endemic to Tasmania and can only be found along the Tasmanian west coast. The Tasmanian Tree Frog inhabits a wide range of various west Tasmanian habitats, including rainforest, moorland, sedgeland and alpine environments located at high altitudes. It is typically found near dams, ponds, ditches and similar bodies of water. The male Tasmanian Tree Frog can be recognized on his goose like call. During the mating season, the males will call a lot while floating around in the water or staying hidden in nearby vegetation.

The Tasmanian Tree Frog can grow up to 6 centimetres in length. The dorsal surface is dark brown or pale green, while the ventral surface is of a pinkish-white shade. The thighs are light brown. A thin line can be seen running from the frog’s nostril down the side. It is common for this line to expand and look marbled as it reaches the flanks. Dark brown Tasmanian Tree Frogs will usually be decorated with patches that display a more light brown shade. Green flecks are also common. The pale green Tasmanian Tree Frogs will instead have dark brown or light brown patches.


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