Pacific tree frog
| Pacific Tree Frog | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | P. regilla
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudacris regilla | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Hyla regilla | |
The Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla formerly Hyla regilla) is a small (2.5-5 cm) species of frogs, with a prominent dark brown or black eyestripe. It has a variable dorsal coloration of shades of green, tan, reddish, grey, brown or black, and a dark triangular blotch on its head. There are variable dark blotches or spotting depending on color phase, which can change dramatically from dark to light in a short time. Its venter is whitish or cream with yellow on the undersides of its legs and lower abdomen. Males of this species have a yellow throat. Its toe webbing is reduced, and it has small toe pads, and a smooth skin.
Juveniles look similar to adults, although usually uniform in dorsal coloration.
Pacific Tree Frogs can occur distant from surface water in a variety of habitats. This tree frog has been captured in an amazing number of various habitat types. It is often encountered in gardens of the backyards of people in western Canada and United States.
The taxonomic placement of this species is uncertain. It has long been included in the genus Hyla, but it has recently been transferred to Pseudacris, the chorus frogs. However, not all taxonomists agree with this.
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
- 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.
External links
- Fact sheet, taxonomic details, distribution maps, slideshow, and images of Pseudacris regilla at ZipcodeZoo.com.
- Californiaherps.com description - Includes detailed description, photos, recordings of calls
- mister-toad.com description - Description of the ecology of Pacific Tree Frogs with photographs and video.