Green_Treefrog_1 © Irvine Wilson
Green_Treefrog_2 © Christopher Hobson
Green_Treefrog_3 © John Willson
Fact File
Scientific Name: Hyla cinerea
Classification: Amphibian
Size: Up to 2 inches
Identifying Characteristics
This small, slender frog is typically bright green, but can be various shades of gray or brown. Usually, there is a conspicuous white to yellowish stripe along each side extending from beneath the eye back to the groin. However, this stripe may be reduced or absent in some populations. Many individuals have tiny gold specks on their back. Toe pads are prominent.
Distribution:
This species primarily occurs in the Coastal Plain with scattered records in the Piedmont. Represented as red dots on the range map, there are also introduced populations in the western region of the state in Pulaski and Craig counties. Green Treefrogs prefer floating and emergent vegetation along the swampy edges of ponds, lakes, marshes, streams and other freshwater habitats. They may occasionally occupy sites with brackish water.
Did You Know?
Green Treefrogs appear to be expanding their range in some areas.
Role in the Web of Life
This species breeds from April-August. Their advertisement call is a repeated nasal quank, quank, quank in quick succession. A single female may deposit multiple clutches throughout the breeding season with each having up to 1,000 eggs.
Conservation
Species appears to be secure in Virginia.
Last updated: January 22, 2024
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.