Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor and H. chrysoscelis)

DESCRIPTION: Tree frogs have large, sticky toe pads. Color can change gray, green, or brown, according to environment or activity. Underside of hind legs yellow. 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. (The two species, Eastern and Cope's, are very similar in appearance and habits).

Photos © Jim Harding

HABITAT: Woods, swamps, backyards. Able to climb vertically, or move horizontally, with specially adapted toe pads.

BREEDING: May, in woodland ponds. Males call from low vegetation, near or over water. Eggs in small cluster. Transformation of tadpoles by mid to late summer.

VOICE: A short musical trill. Often heard before and after breeding season on warm nights. Trills of the two species sound different.

RANGE AND STATUS: Common statewide. Relative distribution of the two "sibling" species is poorly known.

NOTES: They will often cling to windows of houses at night.