Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) & Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

• 1.25-2 inches (3-5 cm) in length
• Skin texture is grainy
• Distinguishable by the bright yellow coloration on the inner thighs of their rear legs
• Usually only seen during the breeding season

• Gray treefrogs are the largest treefrogs in Ohio. Since they are arboreal, their preferred habitat consists of all types of woodlands, trees, and shrubs. They seldom come down from trees, except during the breeding season (late April or early May until late July). The Gray Treefrogs are slightly larger than the Spring Peeper and their coloration, which is generally a shade of gray and their large toes discs (suction cup like toes), make them distinguishable.

• The Gray treefrog is found throughout Ohio. Where the more common Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) is found statewide, the Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) is restricted to the southern one-third of the state. These two species are identical and can only be distinguished by their call, which has a differing trill rate/frequency, and by counting their chromosomes in a laboratory setting. Both species have a loud trill, but the Gray Treefrog’s call is slower than the Cope’s Gray Treefrog.

Cope's Gray Treefrog- Photo courtesy of Jeff Davis	Cope's Gray Treefrog- Photo courtesy of Adam Mann