Dryophytes cinereus

This species appears to be more resilient and opportunistic than many amphibians and has expanded its breeding range into many areas where ponds suitable for breeding recently have been created by humans or recovering populations of beavers.
Photo Credit: Clinton and Charles Robertson
Dryophytes cinereus
Common Name: green treefrog
Other Scientific Names: Hyla cinerea
Animal Guild: Amphibian
Class > Order > Family: Amphibia > Anura > Hylidae
What does the species look like? The upper surface and at least part of the throat are usually bright green but ranges from yellowish to grayish, depending on conditions (temperature and moisture). A white or yellowish stripe extends along the upper jaw and side of the body and along the leg (though stripes may be reduced or absent). The toe tips are large and rounded. The back sometimes has small, scattered yellow spots. Maximum size is about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) snout-vent length. Breeding male have gray or pinkish throat skin. Breeding calls are loud and repeated monotonously. Larvae are greenish yellow with a light stripe between the eye and nostril; the tail muscles are mottled, and the eyes are at the margin of the head when viewed from above. Larvae grow up to about 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in total length.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
Distribution

Range extends from Delaware south to southern Florida along the Coastal Plain, west to south-central Texas; and north from the Gulf Coast to southeastern Oklahoma, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, western Tennessee, and northern Alabama. Isolated introduced population in south-central Missouri; also introduced in northwestern Puerto Rico (Isabela-Aguadilla area) and Brownsville, Texas. Introduced population in eastern Kansas is apparently extirpated. Native/introduced status in Indiana is uncertain.

Green treefrogs inhabit swamps, marshes, and areas adjacent to ponds, lakes, and slow streams and rivers, particularly where aquatic habitats include abundant floating and emergent vegetation. Eggs and larvae develop in shallow, still, permanent or long-lasting temporary water. Males call while perched on plants next to water or while sitting on floating plants.
General Phenology and Life History Green treefrogs are most active on warm nights, especially in association with rain, and often are inactive during the colder months, especially in the north. Breeding occurs in spring or early summer (mainly April-August). Hundreds of adults may aggregate at breeding pools. Individual females divide one or more clutches of several hundred eggs among multiple clusters. Larvae hatch in a few days, often shelter and feed among dense floating vegetation, and metamorphose in a couple of months, by the end of summer (often July-August). Little is known about the habits of green treefrogs outside of the breeding season; they may overwinter in upland situations near wetlands.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults on land
One or more adults are seen at rest or active on land.
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Adults in water
One or more adults are seen at rest or active in water.
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Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

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Reproduction Vocalizing
One or more individuals are heard vocalizing.

What is the intensity of vocalizing?

  • Single calls: There is space between calls and individuals can be counted.
  • Overlapping calls: Calls of individuals can be distinguished but there is some overlapping of calls.
  • Full chorus: Calls are constant and overlapping.
Mating
A female is seen grasped and held by a male.

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Fresh eggs
Eggs are seen being extruded, an egg mass is seen with jelly not expanded to full size, or embryos that are more or less spherical are seen.

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Development Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.