An Overview of Green Tree Frogs

There are various species of tree frogs that belong to the families Rhacophoridae and Hylidae. The members of Hylidae are known as true tree frogs, and are found in the temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas. While most of the tree frogs are green, true green tree frogs belong to the family Hylidae.

Some Green tree frogs have designs, patterns, and shades, on their dorsal sides. Some of them have the ability to change their body color, in accordance to the surroundings. The most popular among them are the American and Australian green tree frogs, which are widely accepted as exotic pets. Both the types are commonly referred to as green tree frogs.

American green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) are medium-sized, with a body length of up to six centimeters. They are found in different shades of green. Most of these frogs have tiny, white or gold spots on the body, and a very smooth skin. Some individuals have a white or pale yellow line that extends from the jaw to the upper lip and the groin.

The abdomen is white, and some small white spots can be seen on the back. They have golden eyes, horizontal irises, large toe pads, and webbed toes. Green tree frog adaptations include adhesive pads on fingers and toes, and protruding eyes that provide binocular vision. These features help these frogs to inhabit trees.

These frogs live on trees near still-water sources. The habitat of the American green tree frogs includes trees near lakes, farm ponds, floodplain sloughs, bald cypress swamps, and cattail marshes. The Australian variety is usually seen among the reeds in swamps and grasslands. They can also be found inside houses, especially in sinks and toilets.

Tree frog habitat includes downspouts and gutters. Most of these frogs inhabit trees, and come down for mating and spawning only. The females lay eggs in shallow water with aquatic plants.

The eggs get attached to the roots of these plants, and take around 60 days to hatch. Some of these frogs lay their eggs on plants overhanging water, so that the tadpoles can directly enter water, once they are hatched.

Green tree frog diet includes insects and worms. The American green tree frogs feed on insects, like moths, flies, and different types of worms. These frogs can live without food for about 20 days; and if they get nothing to eat, they may feed on members of their own species.

These frogs are very popular as pets, due to their attractive appearance and docile nature. If you wish to adopt them as pets, it would be better to get a basic understanding about their requirements.