Gray Tree Frog Species

The Gray Tree Frog (Hyla Versicolor)

 Other Names:  Eastern gray, common gray tree frog, or tetraploid gray

There are a variety of different frogs throughout the world and one of the most recognizable frogs in North America is the gray tree frog (hyla versicolor).  There are many interesting facts about gray tree frogs, one of which being that their skin provides them with the opportunity to blend into their surroundings.  Much like chameleons, gray tree frogs are able to be avoided by predators due to their ability to camouflage.

Aesthetic Characteristics

Aside from their chameleon-like skin, one identifiable feature of a gray tree frog is that they have suction cup toe pads.  The skin of a gray tree frog is generally green, brown, or grey and they are adorned with many warts.  Under their eyes you will notice a white patch and they generally have either a yellow or orange color under their legs.  Many individuals have found that the gray tree frog looks similar to toads, but the main aesthetic difference is the toad does do not have suction cup toe pads.


The majority of gray tree frogs are found in areas that are lush with trees and shrubs and they are generally found around a permanent source of water.  You may also have luck finding gray tree frogs in orchards and heavily wooded areas.  Much like their name suggests, gray tree frogs do live in trees and can be found in tree holes or even in rotten logs.  During breeding season, they lay their eggs and larvae in permanent non-moving bodies of water.


During breeding season, gray tree frogs generally remain around their breeding pond and the mating begins at night.  The males will produce high-pitched calls to entice females to mate with them.  Once the breeding process has been completed, the females can expect to lay more than 2000 eggs that will be attached to surrounding trees and shrubs.

Survival Threats

Rather than traditional threats that most frogs face such as predatory animals, the gray tree frog is generally threatened by clear-cutting forests being diminished due to urbanization.  Considering that they mostly live in trees, if the trees are excavated, they do not have the appropriate sources for survival.  Although they have experienced a severe loss of habitat, these frogs breed quickly, thus they have been presenting themselves in large numbers.

The gray tree frog can be found in a variety of locations in North America.  With their lush habitat and their proactive breeding measures, they can easily be found in heavily wooded areas or in orchards if you look in the right areas.

1 Comment

  1. Canmak

    October 18, 2014 at 12:06 am

    Whites treefrogs are my favorite. My brother has about ten frogs and the only one that lets me hold it is the white one.

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