Copes Grey Tree Frogs & Grey Tree Frog

The Copes Grey Tree Frog and the Grey Tree Frog are visually indistinguishable and have been in the middle of a lot of taxonomical confusion. At first, they were thought to be the same species but after being genetically examined they have been separated into two different species. Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor. The only way to tell them apart is by listening to their calls, the Copes Grey Tree Frog has more of a fast-trilling call which sounds kind of harsh. On the other hand, the Grey Tree Frog has a slower trilling which sounds more mellow and calm.

Another way to tell is by looking at your location. The Copes Grey Tree Frog is found in the southern parts of the eastern U.S.A more often than in the north, and the Grey Tree Frog is found in the Northern parts of the U.S.A more often than in the south. But their range is usually coextensive.

These frogs are more heavy-bodied tree frogs unlike other treefrogs in the area. Their colors consist of grey, brown, and green, but this depends on their habitat or what they are doing. This is because these frogs can change their skin color much like a chameleon does, but not as well. They have a light spot below their eyes and they have bright orange or yellow thighs. Like all tree frogs, they have enlarged sticky toepads that help climb and stick to smooth surfaces.

They live high up in tall trees most of the year but when breeding season comes they will make their ways to breed in marshes, bogs, swamps, and flooded ditches. This is when they are most often encountered. Breeding season takes place from March to August, but calling is most intense during the summer months.

These curious little frogs sleep in holes or other secluded spaces during the day and come out at night to feed. They eat insects and other small invertebrates.

These frogs produce toxic skin secretions that give extreme discomfort to the eyes, lips, nose, and open cuts. So after handling make sure to wash your hands very carefully and well.

Other Pictures...

“.” Cope's Gray Treefrog, https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/copesgraytreefrog.shtml.

“Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla Chrysoscelis).” Species Profile: Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla Chrysoscelis) | SREL Herpetology, http://srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/hylchr.htm.

Virginia Herpetological Society, https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/copes-gray-treefrog/copes_gray_treefrog.php.