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Cope's Gray Tree Frog

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description Cope's Gray Tree Frog Overview

Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) is a small arboreal amphibian native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. It is morphologically identical to the Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) but is genetically distinct, being diploid (having two sets of chromosomes) while H. versicolor is tetraploid. The two species can only be reliably distinguished in the field by their calls, with Cope's Gray Tree Frog producing a faster, higher-pitched trill.

These frogs possess adhesive toe pads that allow them to climb vertical surfaces and display remarkable camouflage abilities, changing color from gray to green or brown.

help Cope's Gray Tree Frog FAQ

Where does Cope's Gray Tree Frog live?

Cope's Gray Tree Frog is native to eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. It is an arboreal species, meaning it spends much of its life in trees and shrubs.

How is Cope's Gray Tree Frog different from the Gray Tree Frog?

Cope's Gray Tree Frog, Hyla chrysoscelis, looks almost identical to the Gray Tree Frog, Hyla versicolor. The two are genetically distinct, and Cope's species is diploid while the Gray Tree Frog is tetraploid.

What does Cope's Gray Tree Frog look like?

It is a small gray tree frog with a compact body suited to climbing. Its appearance overlaps so closely with Hyla versicolor that visual identification alone can be difficult.

What does diploid mean for Cope's Gray Tree Frog?

Diploid means the species has two sets of chromosomes. In Cope's Gray Tree Frog, that genetic trait helps distinguish it from the closely related tetraploid Gray Tree Frog.

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