American green tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American green tree frog |
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The American green tree frog (Dryophytes cinereus) is a common type of tree frog found in the Americas. It belongs to the Hylidae family. These frogs are often seen in backyards. They are also popular as pets. This frog is even the official state amphibian for Georgia and Louisiana.
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About the American Green Tree Frog
This frog is medium-sized. It can grow up to 6 cm (2.5 in) long. Its body is usually green. The shades can range from bright yellowish-olive to lime green. The frog's color can change. This depends on the light or temperature.
Sometimes, you might see small gold or white spots on its skin. They often have a white, pale yellow, or cream-colored line. This line runs from their jaw or upper lip down to their groin area. Green tree frogs have smooth skin. They also have large toe pads. Their bellies are pale yellow to white. Male frogs have wrinkled throats. This is where their vocal sac is. Males are also a bit smaller than females.
Where They Live
These frogs live in the central and southeastern United States. Their range goes from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to southeast Florida. You can find them as far west as central Texas. They are also found north in Delaware and southern New Jersey.
Green tree frogs like places with lots of plants. They prefer floating plants, grasses, and cattails. You can often find them in small ponds, large lakes, marshes, and streams. Sometimes, they even show up in backyard swimming pools at night.
How They Behave
These frogs are small. They get scared easily. Because of this, they usually do not like being handled often. Some frogs might get used to occasional handling. You should always be careful when touching them.
Green tree frogs are mostly active at night. This means they are nocturnal. If you have them as pets, they will be most active after the lights go off. Male frogs often make calls for most of the year. They call even more after their tank is misted with water.
Breeding and Young Frogs
Most female American green tree frogs breed once a year. Some females might lay eggs multiple times in one mating season. In Florida, males were heard calling from March to September. Pairs were seen mating from April to August.
In Florida, a female frog lays about 400 eggs at once. The eggs hatch into tadpoles in about four to 14 days. On average, they hatch in five days. Larger female frogs tend to lay more eggs. However, the number of eggs usually goes down after the first batch.
Breeding is affected by how long the day is, the temperature, and rain. Frogs usually breed after it rains. Males call more often as the temperature rises and days get longer. The length of the breeding season changes with location. It gets shorter in colder areas.
Male frogs use a special call to attract mates. This call is different from their warning calls. Once a mate is found, the pair starts to mate. The male holds onto the female. This brings their bodies close together for fertilization. Males try to mate with as many females as they can.
In southern Florida, there is an invasive species called the Cuban tree frog. Its call sounds similar to the green tree frog's call. This makes it hard for green tree frogs to communicate. To compete, green tree frogs have changed their calls. Their calls are now shorter, louder, and more frequent. This helps potential mates hear them better.
American green tree frogs do not care for their young. They only mate and lay eggs.
What They Eat
American green tree frogs are insectivores. This means they eat insects. They usually eat flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects. Crickets are also a favorite. One study showed that frogs choose their prey based on how active it is. The most active insects are eaten most often. The study also found that nearly 90% of the time, green tree frogs actively chase their prey. The other 10% of the time, they eat insects that are walking or close enough to be caught with their tongue.
As Pets
These frogs are popular pets. They are small and look nice. They are also easy to care for. Unlike many amphibians, they do not need special heaters. They need a large terrarium, at least ten gallons. The floor of their tank should have something that holds moisture. This could be shredded bark, coconut husk, or untreated topsoil.
Tree frogs like to climb. So, the height of the tank is more important than its length. You should put plants or branches in their habitat for climbing. A shallow water dish is also needed. Pet frogs should not be handled more than necessary. If you must handle them, wear clean gloves.
State Symbol
The green tree frog became the official state amphibian of Louisiana in 1993. It became the state amphibian of Georgia in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Rana verde de Norteam%C3%A9rica para ni%C3%B1os
