Treefrog Encounter

Top Photo: Freshly morphed green treefrog clings to rush stem at edge of wetlands.

Naturally camouflaged, these tiny treefrogs need all the protection they can get in their first few days of above-water life.

While making the first round of the day through the Outdoor Loop at the museum, we rangers discovered a group of juvenile green and gray treefrogs in Explore the Wild. The frogs were clinging to the vegetation next to the sandstone steps at Water’s Edge. Most of the treefrogs were green treefrogs, a few were Cope’s gray.

Cope’s gray treefrog (left) and green treefrog share opposite sides on leaf.

The frogs are clearly making use of the duck potato, lizard’s tail, rushes and other vegetation along the shore of the wetland to hide themselves during their first few days as air breathing amphibians.

A great photo opportunity.

Though adult treefrogs of both species may reach 2 1/2” these juvenile amphibians were between 1/2” and 3/4” in length.

Green treefrog.

The diet of these two treefrog species consists mostly of small invertebrates. But, I read a report indicating gray treefrogs may eat other, smaller frogs.

Green treefrog hiding out in plain sight.

Get out there and have a look around!

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