California tree frog
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (February 2010) |
| California tree frog | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | P. cadaverina
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudacris cadaverina (Cope, 1866)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Hyla cadaverina | |
The California tree frog (Pseudacris cadaverina; formerly Hyla cadaverina) is a cryptically colored species of frog, often resembling granitic stones. It is grey or light brown on its dorsum with darker blotches, and has a whitish venter. It is yellow on the undersides of its legs, groin and lower abdomen; males of the species have a dusky-yellow throat. The California tree frog has conspicuous toe webbing and pads, and its dorsal skin is roughened-warty. It is 2.9 to 5 cm long.
This is a species most likely to occur along streams with abundant boulders and cobbles in their channels. Its distribution is spotty and localized. These frogs are easily handled.
Until recently, the California tree frog was classified in the genus Hyla.
References
- This article is based on a description from "A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Coastal Southern California", Robert N. Fisher and Ted J. Case, USGS, http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/index.htm.