American green tree frog

Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox phylum entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox genus entry Template:Taxobox species entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox end The American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) is a common species of tree frog (Hyla).

Members of the species are medium-sized, up to 6 cm. The bodies of American green tree frogs are usually colored green with shades ranging from bright, yellowish, olive green, or lime green. The color can change between in darkness depending on lighting or temperature There may be some small patches of gold or white. A white, pale yellow, or cream-colored line running from the jaw or upper lip to groin. They have smooth skin and large toe pads. The abdomen is pale yellow to white. Males have wrinkled throats (indicating the vocal pouch) and are slightly smaller than females.

The habitat of American green tree frogs is usually on the borders of cypress swamps, lakes, farm ponds, floodplain sloughs, or cattail marshes. They inhabit the southern United States and some areas to the north and west, including all of Florida, southern Georgia, Delaware, eastern Maryland and Virginia, eastern North and South Carolina, eastern Texas, and areas extending along the Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois. They may possibly inhabit northeastern Mexico.

Like most frogs, the species eats an diet of insects (mostly crickets, moths, and flies) and small invertebrates. They are sometimes seen on houses around windows or exterior lights in search of insects.

The mating season takes place from mid-April to mid-August. Females lay up to 400 eggs in shallow water, which attach to the roots of aquatic vegetation. Embryos hatch within a week and tadpoles transform between 55 to 63 days after hatching. Weathers conditions influence breeding, which often takes place in rain. Indeed, the frogs often seen during and after a rainstorm.

They are one of the most popular species of pet frogs.

American green tree frogs should not be confused with the European green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) or the Australian green tree frog (Litoria caerulea), which appear similar and are sometimes known as "green tree frogs."