Green Treefrog
Family:
Hylidae (treefrogs and allies) in the order Anura (frogs)
Description:
Round adhesive pads are found on all digits. This frog’s coloration is normally bright, light green, but in cool weather it may be dark green. There is always a white or pale yellow stripe running from the upper lip down along the sides. Some yellow spots may also be present on the back. The belly is white or yellowish. Call is a series of measured, nasal “quank, quank, quank,” normally not heard until after sundown. The call is a noticeable part of the nighttime sounds of our cypress swamps.
Size:
Body length: 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 inches.
Habitat and conservation:
Lives in the last remaining cypress swamps, sloughs and oxbow lakes of southeastern Missouri. They hide camouflaged in the green leaves of cattails during the day and become active at night when they hunt. Much of this species’ habitat has been destroyed, and it’s important to preserve large areas of remaining swamps so this species can remain a part of our state’s natural wildlife heritage.
Foods:
On warm nights, this frog climbs among vegetation in search of insects.
Distribution in Missouri:
Natural range includes the Mississippi Lowlands in southeastern Missouri, along with an introduced population in Camden County.
Status:
The populations in Missouri’s Bootheel represent the northwestern limit of the green treefrog’s total range. Much of this species’ preferred habitat has been destroyed.
Life cycle:
Males chorus in the evenings from May to early August; together, they sound something like distant Canada geese. Egg-laying likely occurs in June or early July. Females lay 500–1,000 eggs and often produce more than one clutch per season. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and the tadpoles transform into froglets between late June and early September. Green treefrogs overwinter under logs and leaf litter in swamps.
Human connections:
This attractive frog is the official state amphibian of Georgia and Louisiana, and it is a popular pet sold at pet stores.
Ecosystem connections:
This frog eats insects, which helps to keep those populations in check. On the other hand, this frog becomes food for other predators such as birds, snakes and mammals. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3203
