| BARKING TREEFROG |
| Hyla gratiosa |
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Range:
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Virginia to Florida Coastal Plain, and also along Gulf states - Kentucky & Tennessee. |
 The Barking Tree Frog is one of the largest frogs found in the US. It gets its name from the low-pitched sounds the males make during the rainy season, which have been described as similar to a dog, or even a honking goose. When the frog is in water, the call is deeper and more hollow-sounding. It is highly variable in color, from lime green to brown. It is usually medium green with dark circles or blotches, and gold or yellow flecks. The throat, belly, and inside of the hind legs are typically deep yellow/gold. Color can vary according to the lighting, time of day, and temperature. When stressed the frog can become lighter colored, losing its dark blotches.
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| Habitat: |
It spends the summer months in treetops, and in the winter it burrows underground amongst moist vegetation. |
| Diet: |
Mainly crickets, small worms and other insects, flies, and moths. |
| Status: |
Barking Treefrogs are generally less common than other species, such as squirrel and green treefrogs, but they are not protected. |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Length: 5 - 7cm. |
| Lifespan: |
Up to 7 years. |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
Breeding is generally from March to August. Males gather at permanent streams and ponds and use their voices to attract females to breeding waters. About 2000 eggs per clutch are laid in shallow water of ponds and swamps; they hatch in several days. In about the space of 16 weeks the tadpoles form into froglets. |
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