Pacific Treefrogs, are small amphibians with a conspicuous dark “mask” or eyestripe extending from the nostrils through the eye as far as the shoulder. Another distinguishing feature is the rounded toepad at the end of each digit. They have a variable dorsal coloration including shades of green, tan, reddish, grey, brown or black. Individuals can even change colors!
Source: Nature Nuggets
The ventral surface is white or cream with yellow underside of the legs and lower abdomen. Their legs are long and slender; Their toes have rounded pads that help the frogs grip and climb, and there is very little webbing between the toes, making them appear rather long. They have smooth skin.
They are small frogs, up to 5 cm long. Females are slightly larger than males, a common feature of many frog species.
Scope / Habitat:
Pacific Treefrog stretches from British Columbia, Canada to the tip of Baja California, Mexico, and east to Montana and Nevada.
The Pacific tree frog is the most common and widespread frog in Washington State. It can be found in almost any habitat where there are suitable spawning waters, usually small ponds. Lakes and rivers were chosen because smaller bodies of water are preferable or backwaters often occur at their edges.
Diet:
Pacific Treefrog eats a wide variety of arthropods. Predators of the Pacific vegetation around the pond include carnivorous diving beetles, giant water beetles, bluegill sunfish and vipers.
Reproduction:
Pacific Treefrog breeds from November to July in a variety of habitats including swamps, ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams.
Behavior:
Sticky pads on their toes allow these little frogs to climb trees with great agility. Although they are good climbers, they are often close to the ground.
“One of the most fascinating features of this little frog is its ability to change color. Unlike chameleons that change color to match their surroundings, Pacific tree frogs change color. This frog has no control over this change; it just happens naturally within a few minutes. The color change is exactly for the reason you think it is – a mechanism. protected to reduce the chance that tree frogs will become a meal for bullfrogs, raccoons, herons, snakes or other predators.” Chance Finegan – Traveler to the National Park
The special name for this frog is known around the world – the “ribbit” that Hollywood uses in all of its films as the “standard” frog is actually the Pacific Treefrog! These frogs are also known as “Chorus Frog” due to their vocal repertoire, which includes distinct mating choruses.
