Green tree frogs are one of the most common amphibians in North America. They are found all over the United States, and they are also found in many other parts of the world.
They are small, typically no more than 2 to 3 inches long. Their skin color ranges from light green to dark green and even black in some instances.
Green tree frogs live in moist environments where food is abundant. You might see one clinging to a wall next to a porch light to catch flying insects or on a tree branch. They also make great pets.
12 Facts About Green Tree Frogs
Green tree frogs are both fascinating and adorable. Let’s learn more about them in this list of green tree frog facts!
1. State Amphibian For Louisiana And Georgia
Green tree frogs are so abundant in these two states that they were adopted as the state amphibian. Louisiana made the the frog their state amphibian in 1993. Governor Sonny Purdue signed legislation in Georgia in 2005 naming the green tree frog their state amphibian.
2. Kermit The Frog Is A Green Tree Frog
Kermit the Frog sang in a popular song, “It’s not that easy being green,” but concludes that “being green is all there is to be.” You might be surprised to learn that Kermit is a green tree frog.
When Jim Henson created Kermit the Frog for the Muppets, he modeled the character after a green tree frog. Kermit’s collar is not part of his frog anatomy, but the rest of him seems pretty accurate.
3. They Are Known As Arboreal Frogs
These frogs are known as arboreal frogs, meaning they live in trees. Some of the unique features of arboreal frogs include their ability to jump very high off of trees and their specialized toe pads that help them cling to the bark.
Tree frogs have adhesive toe pads that use moisture and mucus secretion to stick to surfaces. The mucus cleans debris off their pads to keep them naturally sticky.
4. Green Tree Frogs Aren’t Always Green
Many people think of green tree frogs as brightly green-colored to blend in with leaves in trees. However, these frogs aren’t always green. In fact, they can vary in color from tan to brown to even black.
Green tree frogs are known for their ability to camouflage into their surroundings. They can quickly change their skin color whenever they need to hide. This ability to change color is why green tree frogs are sometimes called “chameleons of the frog world.”
5. Females Are Larger Than Males
One of the main differences between males and females of green tree frogs is their size. Males are typically smaller than females. However, females also tend to be a bit larger than males and have more fat.
Females are usually about a half inch longer than males. They also weigh more. This allows males to climb and hold onto females’ backs without weighing them down when mating.
6. They Control Pests
The green tree frog is a carnivore that eats insects, spiders, and occasionally other small animals. They have been known to eat cockroaches, ants, and termites.
Green tree frogs are also beneficial because they feed on insects that damage crops and gardens. They control pest populations with their feeding habits.
7. They’re Food For Predators
Green tree frogs are prey to many different predators, including snakes, owls, and birds. They are a food source for other predators and keep the ecosystem in balance. Some frogs secrete a toxin to deter predators.
These frogs use their toe pads to cling to the bark and then use their super strong legs to pull themselves up. They can move quickly and smoothly along the tree trunk, which makes them very difficult to catch.
8. Green Tree Frogs Have An Unmistakable Call
The call of the green tree frog is one of the most distinctive sounds in the world. This frog has a wide variety of calls that it uses to communicate with other frogs and to attract mates. Their call is very loud and can be heard from a great distance.
One of the main reasons green tree frogs are so popular is their ability to vocalize. They can produce a wide range of sounds, including croaks, chirps, and trills.
9. They Breed When It Rains
Green tree frogs typically live in moist environments, such as rainforests or marshes. They really only breed when it rains and there are pools or puddles of water to lay eggs. During rainfall, the male frogs call out to attract females.
Males cling to the backs of females when the females come down from trees to the water to lay their eggs. The eggs hatch after about two weeks, and the tadpoles swim away.
10. Green Tree Frogs Can Lay Hundreds Of Eggs
Green tree frogs can lay up to 400 eggs in a clutch so populations can grow rapidly. Eggs hatch just under a week after fertilization. Tadpoles develop their legs around 8 to 10 weeks after hatching.
A single female can lay multiple clutches of eggs per season. This can then lead to a population explosion because of how quickly they develop into adulthood.
11. They Are A Popular Pet
Green tree frogs are a popular pet choice because they are easy to take care of and can be very friendly. In addition, they are easy to keep in captivity and can live to be 5 to 6 years old.
They are also relatively low maintenance, requiring little more than a small enclosure and an insect diet. They are versatile pets and can adapt to just about any enclosure, provided they have adequate moisture and food supply.
12. They Have Nearly 360-Degree the Field Of Vision
Another interesting fact about green tree frogs is their eyes. Their eyes are on the top of their head, giving them a 360-degree view. This makes them able to quickly spot predators and prey from a distance.
Green tree frogs can see all around without ever turning their head. This way, they never give away their location through movement and always stay camouflaged from predators.
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