Zagreb Zoo

Names of our animals: /

Classification
Class: Amphibians (Amphibia)
Order: Frogs (Anura)
Family: Tree frogs (Hylidae)

Description
Body length: 32 - 64 mm.

Distribution
Central, eastern and south-eastern US.

Habitat
Rivers, streams, lakes, small ponds, marshes.

Diet
In nature: flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects.
In captivity: crickets.

Reproduction
Most females breed in spring, generally following rainfall, when days become longer and temperatures start rising. To attract mates, males use a distinct advertisement call. Each female lays about 400 eggs in water and after 4 to 14 days, tadpoles hatch. Some females lay eggs several times a year. After hatching the young tadpoles feed on the remainder of their yolk and after a few days start feeding on microscopic algae. Three weeks after hatching external gills have disappeared and internal gills become the primary mode of respiration. Eight to ten weeks after hatching, the front and rear legs begin development. Tadpoles also transition to a carnivorous diet at this point. In the final weeks of development the front and rear legs become fully functional and the tail starts to shorten. At this time young green tree frogs are ready to leave the water and venture onto land.

Behaviour
Green tree frogs are solitary part of the year but can be found in large groups during the breeding season. They use vocalization to attract mates, worn of danger or „announce“ rain. Their mating calls, alarm and rain calls are important aspects of social behaviour. They are most active when the weather is moist, mostly at night. They spend daytime on leaves or branches. They prefer to climb rather than jump.

Predators
Snakes, birds, large fish and other frogs.

Life span
In wild: unknown.
In captivity up to 6 years.

Conservation Status
Not an endangered species. Green tree frogs are common throughout their geographic range in spite of habitat destruction and pollution.
IUCN category: Lc (least concern).

Interesting facts
► These frogs and the young tadpoles are an important food source for many species of predatory fish, snakes and birds.
► These frogs control populations of mosquitoes and other tiny insects by feeding on them, their which is very beneficial for people.

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