Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Every year Cope’s Gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) gather at small pools to breed between May and July. More than two dozen gather and lay eggs in small water containers on our patio. We see the tadpoles as they develop but rarely see them leave the water. Our patio has been the main gathering site in our area until recently when a subdivision was developed nearby and another small shallow pool area, in the form of a water retention pond, was built directly across from the corner of our property. This pond has provided another breeding pond for Upland Chorus frogs (Pseudacris feriarum) and Cope’s Gray treefrogs.

Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) – Juvenile

Yesterday as I was photographing the Common Buckeye butterflies, I spotted this juvenile Cope’s Gray treefrog. It was about 0.5- to 0.75-inches long. It was resting in the sun so it’s color pattern is not as distinct as it would be in the shade. It had probably come from the retention pond approximately 50 yards along the road.

Identification resource:
- Frogs and Toads of Georgia: Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

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