| Canyon Tree Frog | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Hyla |
| Species: | H. arenicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Hyla arenicolor Cope, 1866 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Hyla copii |
|
The Canyon Tree Frog(Hyla arenicolor) is a species of tree frog native to the rocky plateau areas of southern United States, primarily in the states of New Mexico and Arizona, but it also ranges to neighboring states of Utah, Texas and Colorado, and as far south as the Mexican states of Michoacán, México, Guanajuato, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.
Contents |
Canyon tree frogs grow to 2-2.25 inches in length, and are typically a brown, grey-brown, or grey-green in color, often with darker colored blotching. They can vary quite a bit, but usually match the soil or rock coloration of their native habitat to serve as camouflage. Those from limestone habitats are lighter colored, and those from regions composed mostly of granite can even be pink in coloration. Most have bright yellow in their groin region, and faded banding on their legs.
Canyon tree frogs are mostly nocturnal and carnivorous. They are typically found in semi-arid, rocky habitats near a permanent water source. Breeding occurs during the spring rains, and large, floating egg masses of 100 or more eggs are laid on the water. During periods of low rainfall, the frogs will take refuge in rock crevices.