Barking tree frog

Hyla gratiosa

''Hyla gratiosa'' is a species of tree frog endemic to the southeastern United States.
Hyla gratiosa Green native tree frog with a yellow (diffuse) line running from mouth to hind leg. Black to brown spots are abundant on dorsal side (along with some yellow speckling). Banding present on hind legs as well. Hyla gratiosa is a nocturnal amphibian that spends its days in the treetops. During harsh weather conditions (like heat waves or drought) it practices aestivation, burying itself underground in order to preserve water and maintain body temperature. H. gratiosa's chorus call can sound like the sound of barking dogs at a distance, thus the common name.

Habitat:
This frog was found in an outdoor observatory late at night. The surrounding area is an organic farm and pine/hardwood forest.

Notes:
The white powder present on this frog's legs was from diatomaceous earth that was spread around the edges of the walls (for pest control). Barking tree frog,Fall,Geotagged,Hyla gratiosa,United States,amphibia,amphibian,barking tree frog,hyla,hyla gratiosa,tree frog

Appearance

''Hyla gratiosa'' is the largest native tree frog in the United States. It is 5 to 7 cm in head-body length. It is variable in color, but easily recognizable due to the characteristic dark, round markings on its dorsum. Individuals may be bright or dull green, brown, yellowish, or gray in color. It has prominent, round toe pads, and the male has a large vocal sac.
Hyla gratiosa - Barking Tree Frog Description:
Green tree frog with yellow band that runs from lip to hind leg. Yellow flecks present on back.

Habitat:
Resting on a fig leaf near mixed hardwood pine forest. Ponds nearby. Amphibia,Amphibian,Amphibians,Anura,Barking tree frog,Chordata,Geotagged,Hyla,Hyla gratiosa,Hylidae,Summer,United States,tree frog

Behavior

The barking tree frog is known for its loud, strident, barking call. It may also utter a repetitive single-syllable mating call. It has been known to chorus with other frogs of the same and similar species.

The barking tree frog burrows in the sand, especially when the temperature is hot. It also spends time high up in trees, especially during the day when it is less active.

It breeds in shallow pools or ponds from March to August. It is a polygynous species, the female choosing the male on the basis of his call. Tadpoles can be nearly 5 cm in length.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyHylidae
GenusHyla
SpeciesH. gratiosa