Defining Characteristics and Behavior:
The Barking treefrog is a medium-sized frog, usually ranging from 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) in length. Its coloration varies, ranging from light gray to brown or olive green, with darker markings and spots on its back and legs. This species is arboreal, meaning it lives in trees and shrubs near water sources, and it is also capable of swimming. One of its most distinctive features is its loud, barking call, which can be heard up to half a mile away. During the day, it hides in vegetation or under logs and rocks and becomes active at night to hunt for insects and other small prey.
Geographic Range and Habitat Preferences:
- This species is found in the southeastern United States, ranging from southern Virginia to northern Florida, and west to eastern Texas.
- It inhabits a variety of wetland and forest habitats, including swamps, marshes, ponds, and streams, with a preference for shallow, slow-moving water.
Lifecycle:
- Barking Treefrogs breed in the early spring, with males calling from trees and shrubs to attract females.
- After mating, females lay their eggs in small clusters on vegetation or floating debris in the water.
- The tadpoles hatch from the eggs and undergo metamorphosis into juvenile frogs in 2-3 months.
- The average lifespan of the Barking Tree Frog is around 5 years in the wild.
Fun Facts:
- The Barking Treefrog is sometimes referred to as the "rain frog" because its barking call is often heard during rainstorms.
- This species has been observed using its strong adhesive toe pads to climb up smooth surfaces such as glass and plastic.
- From a distance, a breeding chorus may sound like a pack of barking dogs.
