Green Treefrog
Latin Name: Dryophytes cinereus
Species: Amphibian
Conservation Status: S4-5 - Secure
Green treefrogs have a solid colored back that is often bright green but can shift to yellow or gray depending on the frog’s activity. Occasionally small orange spots are present. They are identifiable by a light-colored stripe down both sides of its slender body. Their toe pads act like suction cups and allow them to be excellent climbers.
Range & Habitat (map)
Green treefrogs are arboreal species, spending most of their lives in trees. They cover much of the southeast, reaching from southern Florida as far west as central Texas and north into parts of Delaware and New Jersey.
Diet
Green treefrogs mainly eat insects like beetles, moths, and grasshoppers but will occasionally eat spiders, snails, and other invertebrates. They are often seen around homes at night, hunting bugs attracted to lights from windows and porch lights.
Life History
Green treefrogs breed throughout the spring and summer. Males use a loud, short, “quenk” call to attract females, often said to remind people of cowbells. Females lay 500-1,000 eggs in clusters on floating vegetation. Tadpoles will metamorphose into adults in approximately 2 months.
Significance
Green treefrogs demonstrate some tolerance to saltwater for brief periods, which is unusual for amphibians. This likely allows them to fare better around the Port Royal Sound’s salt marshes and maritime forests. Green treefrogs are often the only species of tree frog found on barrier islands.
Threats & How You Can Help
While green treefrog populations are secure throughout most of their range, ongoing development may destroy their habitats or contaminate wetlands, which threatens populations. If you see a frog around your house, it is best not to touch it, as any chemicals on your hand from lotion, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. can enter through their permeable skin and cause harm.