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Cristian-M — Gray Tree Frog 40D0039486

Published: 2009-05-11 13:42:05 +0000 UTC; Views: 953; Favourites: 59; Downloads: 0
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Description Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

The Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) is a species of tree frog which is found in the United States. It is almost indistinguishable from the Grey Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), and shares much of its geographic range. Both species are variable in color, mottled gray to gray-green, resembling the bark of trees. These are tree frogs of woodland habitats, though they will sometimes travel into more open areas to reach a breeding pond. The only readily noticeable difference between the two species is the call: Cope's has a faster paced, and slightly higher pitched call than H. versicolor. In addition, H. chrysoscelis is reported to be more slightly smaller, more aboreal, and more tolerant of dry conditions than H. versicolor. The range of H. chrysoscelis is more southerly, found in the lower elevation Piedmont and Coastal Plain of Virginia and the Carolinas. In those areas, H. versicolor may be present only in the Appalachians. The Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca), is similar to Hyla chrysoscelis/versicolor, but is smaller (25-50 mm length, vs. 32-62 mm for the Grey Tree Frogs).

Both Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor have bright orange patches on the hind legs, which distinguishes them from other tree frogs, such as Hyla avivoca. The bright yellow pattern is normally hidden, but exposed when the frog leaps. This "flash pattern" likely serves to startle a predator as the frog makes its escape. Both species of Gray Tree Frogs are slightly sexually dimorphic. Males have black or gray throats in the breding season, while the throat of the female is lighter.

The species name chrysoscelis is from Greek 'chrysos' (gold) and 'scelis' (leg).

The two species of Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis and H. versicolor) can be told apart by voice, but not by sight. My identification is based on the range map: [link] .

More info: [link]
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Comments: 10

Uponbatishwings [2012-11-21 17:43:27 +0000 UTC]

i held a froglet of that in my hands.... X3

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AmongTheFirst [2009-05-14 22:56:22 +0000 UTC]

I always notice you have a number with your photos. What does it mean?

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Cristian-M In reply to AmongTheFirst [2009-05-15 14:03:54 +0000 UTC]

I'm using a code to identify each image (XT=Canon XT; 20D=Canon 20D; 40D=Canon 40D; 50D = Canon 50D).
The number after "XT", "20D", "40D" or "50D" shows how many images I've taken with that camera.

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velentine [2009-05-13 04:40:11 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful! Simply beautiful!

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LDFranklin [2009-05-12 02:17:54 +0000 UTC]

Very cool shot!

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nuthatch09 [2009-05-11 20:07:51 +0000 UTC]

Awesome shot! I sometimes find these in my pool, I always thought the chlorine would kill them, but they are still alive when I find them!

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ZinChano [2009-05-11 18:46:07 +0000 UTC]

aaaww...this is a cute frog >_<
i like this animals XDDDDDD
and that's a very good pic!!!!!

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AExils [2009-05-11 18:21:59 +0000 UTC]

Magnifique !!

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TheEntertainer26 [2009-05-11 17:31:12 +0000 UTC]

Another perfect shot - it looks natural and amazingly balanced in terms of colour...I'm not making much sense again. *Virtually bows to you* I think you are phenomenal!

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ohdeviant-one [2009-05-11 17:08:53 +0000 UTC]

Great capture, Cristian! However, he looks like he was eyeing you rather warily!

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