Canyon Tree Frog

Canyon Tree Frog

NPS Matt Safford

 

Scientific Name
Canyon Tree Frog: Hyla arenicolor

Identification

• Canyon tree frogs are the most commonly seen amphibian in the park, and are usually seen on boulders near streams or stream-beds.
• Adults are small, only 1-2 inches long.
• Color varies greatly, ranging from tan to grayish to olive-gray.When exposed to sunlight, they often appear golden. The back has irregularly shaped blotches that are darker in color than the rest of the body.
• The inside of the hind legs (visible only when they jump) is bright yellow.

Habitat

• Canyon tree frogs live in riparian zones, meaning that they are never found far from streams within the canyon.
• Despite being called treefrogs, Canyon treefrogs prefer to perch on boulders and rock faces overlooking pools of water. During hot weather they spend the day hiding in rock crevices.
• They can occasionally be found in the forests of the Rim.

Behavior

• Adult canyon treefrogs are predators that feed on small invertebrates, including ants, spiders, beetles, and flies. Tadpoles are herbivores that feed on algae in pools.
• Male treefrogs have a loud call, and are most vocal in the first few hours after sunset. Males primarily call during the breeding seasons in the spring and late summer.
• Females lay 100 or more eggs at a time, which are clear and jellylike.
• Within 2 months of hatching, tadpoles metamorphose into froglets, which look like miniature adults.

 

More Information

Canyon Tree Frog

Canyon Tree Frog on Reptiles of Arizona