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Gray Treefrog

gray treefrog(Hyla versicolor)

What do gray treefrogs look like?
Gray treefrogs vary in color depending on the temperature, humidity or color of their habitat. They are mostly found in varying shades of gray, but can also be brown and green. Gray treefrogs have a patch of white beneath their eyes and the undersides of their back legs are orange or yellow.

Where do gray treefrogs live?
Gray treefrogs are found everywhere in Minnesota except the south-west corner. Gray treefrogs live in wooded areas near water. In the summer you can find treefrogs in rotten logs and hollow trees. In the winter they hibernate under the leaf litter, logs, and rocks.

How do gray treefrogs survive their winter hibernation above ground?
Gray treefrogs have a high freeze tolerance, which means they can survive up to 80% of their body freezing during hibernation and then are able to thaw and hop away in the spring. Gray tree frogs are able to do this because of a special chemical that keeps the water in their bodies a frozen mush instead of solid ice, which would permanently damage their organs and other important body parts. When they are frozen their lungs, heart, and other organs stop functioning, and their brain activity is almost nonexistent.

What do gray treefrogs eat?
Gray tree frogs hunt many types of insects found in wooded areas. Spiders, snails, caterpillars are also eaten.

What do gray treefrogs sound like?
Choruses of gray treefrogs can be heard in April and May during their breeding season. The males call from the safety of vegetation next to shallow water and the females choose the male with the most prolonged and frequent calls. The gray tree frog call is a slow, metallic trill that lasts 1-3 seconds. The Cope's gray treefrog, an almost identical species, has a faster trill.

How do treefrogs stick to windows?
Members of the treefrog family posses special toe pads that can stick to vertical surfaces such as glass and tree bark. Treefrogs' toes have glands that produce a sticky mucous which creates a suction between the toe pads and the surface. The toe tips are also more flexible than other frogs, which allow for better grip.

The information above is common scientific knowledge. For a list of specific resources, visit the Animal FAQ Resources page.

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