American Green Tree Frog (Dryophytes cinereus)
Order Anura, Family Hylidae, Genus Dryophytes, Species cinereus. Hylids are generally characterized by arboreal adaptations like toe pads and slender limbs.
Species
American Green Tree Frog (Dryophytes cinereus)
Family
Order Anura, Family Hylidae, Genus Dryophytes, Species cinereus. Hylids are generally characterized by arboreal adaptations like toe pads and slender limbs.
Size
Adult SVL ranges from 1.25 to 2.5 inches (3.2 to 6.4 cm). Females are generally larger than males. Metamorphs are very small, typically less than half an inch.
Conservation
IUCN Status: Least Concern. Population is stable and they are highly adaptable to suburban environments with water sources.
Description
An iconic symbol of Southern summer nights, the American Green Tree Frog is a vibrant, lime-colored gem frequently found clinging to windows or garden foliage. Its sleek lateral line and golden spots make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing amphibians in North America.
Key Features
Bright green dorsal color, smooth skin, a distinct white stripe along the side, and large round toe pads.
Physical Description
A medium-sized, slender frog with a smooth, streamlined body. It features large adhesive toe pads for climbing and a prominent, circular tympanum (eardrum). The head is flat with a pointed snout and large golden-irised eyes with horizontal pupils.
Skin Texture & Coloration
The skin is smooth and moist. Dorsally, it is bright leaf-green but can change to olive-brown based on light or temperature. A sharp, white or cream-colored lateral stripe runs from the jaw down the length of the side. Small golden flecks are often scattered on the back.
Distinguishing Features
The most diagnostic feature is the crisp, white-to-yellowish lateral stripe running along the side of the body. Its smooth green skin and large, well-developed toe pads distinguish it from ground-dwelling frogs.
Habitat
Arboreal microhabitats including swamps, marshes, lake edges, and backyards. They prefer areas with abundant emergent vegetation like cattails and floating plants, and often use window glass near artificial lights.
Geographic Range
Common throughout the Southeastern United States, from Delaware to Florida, west to transition zones in central Texas, and north up the Mississippi Valley into southern Illinois.
Behavior
Nocturnal and highly arboreal. They are most active during warm, humid nights. They often exhibit a 'sit-and-wait' strategy near outdoor lights to catch insects attracted by the glow. They are agile climbers but can also make long, accurate leaps.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates including flies, moths, crickets, and beetles. They use a sticky, projectile tongue to capture prey from surfaces or mid-air.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs from spring to summer (March-August). Males call from vegetation near water to attract females. Amplexus is axillary. Females lay clutches of up to 400 eggs attached to aquatic plants.
Vocalizations
The advertisement call is a series of nasal, bark-like 'queenk-queenk-queenk' notes repeated rapidly. During large choruses, the sound can be deafening, resembling distant cowbells.
Life Cycle
Eggs hatch into aquatic tadpoles in 2–5 days. Tadpoles are greenish-yellow with eyes on the sides of the head. Metamorphosis occurs in 28–44 days depending on temperature. Maturity is reached within a year.
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern. Population is stable and they are highly adaptable to suburban environments with water sources.
Toxicity & Defense
Not toxic to humans. They rely on camo for defense and may use 'flash colors' on their hidden thighs when leaping to startle predators. They can also secrete a mild mucus that may be unpalatable to some predators.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important secondary consumer, controlling insect populations. They are prey for snakes, large spiders, birds, and larger frogs like the Bullfrog.
Similar Species
Squirrel Tree Frog (Hyla squirella), which is smaller and usually lacks the long, crisp white lateral stripe. Barking Tree Frog (Hyla gratiosa), which is more robust and covered in dark circular spots.
Observation Tips
Look on windows under porch lights on summer nights. Listen for their nasal 'queenk' calls near ponds after heavy rains. Approach slowly with a flashlight, as they are relatively bold and easy to photograph.
Handling & Safety
Handling should be kept to a minimum as amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin. If necessary, use wet hands free of soaps or repellents. Wash hands after contact to avoid bacteria like Salmonella.
Seasonal Activity
Active from early spring through fall. In colder months, they brumate (hibernate) under bark, in hollow logs, or in moist soil to survive freezing temperatures.
Cultural Significance
Frequently depicted in regional art and folklore as a herald of rain. It is a popular subject for nature photography and a common first-encounter frog for children.
Interesting Facts
This species is the official state amphibian of Louisiana and Georgia. They are often called 'weather frogs' because they frequently call before or during rainstorms.