The pine woods tree frog (Hyla femoralis), is a species of frog in the Hylidae family, endemic to the United States. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, swamps, intermittent freshwater lakes, and intermittent freshwater marshes.Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hyla femoralis

Description[edit source | edit]

The pine woods tree frog is a very small species, growing to a length of 25 to 38 mm (0.98 to 1.5 in). The color varies, sometimes being mottled brownish-gray, deep reddish-brown, gray, or grayish-green, usually with dark markings on its back. It is very similar in appearance to the squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella) but it can be distinguished from that species by the series of yellow, orange, or white dots that can be seen on the back of the thigh when the hind leg is extended. The toes have large toe pads but little webbing. Their distinctive call can be heard between April and October; it is a series of staccato sounds, giving it the nickname of "Morse code frog".^[1][2]

Distribution and habitat[edit source | edit]

The pine woods tree frog is found in the southeastern United States on the plains of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, its range extending from Virginia to Florida and Louisiana. It climbs high in trees, but also sometimes descends to ground level and favors pine woods, savannahs, mixed pine and turkey oak woodlands, and cypress swamps. During droughts or cold weather, it hides in or under rotten logs or in moist crevices in trees.^[2][3]

Biology[edit source | edit]

The pine woods tree frog mainly eats insects. Breeding takes place at any time between March and October. The male calls, especially at dusk, from locations close to water, such as trees, bushes, and inside clumps of vegetation. The female lays about 100 eggs on or just below the surface of the water, which may be a ditch or temporary pool. The tadpoles are fully developed and ready to undergo metamorphosis at about two months old.^[2][3]

Status[edit source | edit]

The pine woods tree frog is listed as being of "Least Concern" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its large population is believed to be stable, and it is common over much of its wide range.^[3]

References[edit source | edit]