Cope's Gray Treefrog
Dryophytes chrysoscelis
A small color-changing native treefrog best identified by its fast trilling call and bright yellow inner thighs.
Cope's Gray Treefrogs live in wooded habitats near seasonal wetlands and shallow ponds. Their color changes with temperature, activity, and surroundings.
Appearance closely matches the gray treefrog, so voice and range provide the best identification. Cope's Gray Treefrog gives a faster, harsher trill.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Eats moths, beetles, flies, spiders, and other small invertebrates captured on leaves, bark, and branches.
Behavior:
Climbs with adhesive toe pads and rests against bark during the day. Males call at night from vegetation near temporary or shallow water.
Nighttime, Dawn and Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm rainy nights from spring through summer near trees and temporary fish-free wetlands.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not federally or state listed; locally common near wooded breeding wetlands.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Harmless. Avoid unnecessary handling, keep hands clean and wet if contact is unavoidable, and never apply insect repellent or chemicals to the frog.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes night-flying insects and adds native amphibian activity to wooded, pesticide-conscious landscapes.
Property Concerns:
Causes no meaningful property damage. Individuals sometimes rest on windows, siding, rain barrels, or outdoor equipment.
Fun Fact:
- Skin color can shift from green to gray or brown.
- Bright yellow inner thighs flash when the frog jumps.
- Its trill is faster than the nearly identical gray treefrog's call.
Wildlife Laws:
Native amphibians should not be harmed or collected without checking current Florida rules. Breeding wetlands and egg masses should remain undisturbed.
Identification:
Mottled gray, green, or brown body with rough skin, large toe pads, a pale patch beneath each eye, and bright yellow or orange color hidden on the inner thighs.