Green Tree Frog: The green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) is one of the largest frogs found in Australia. These frogs can grow up to 10 cm long. Their skin color can be yellow, lime green or even green. These frogs have a white and light yellow stripe pattern from the jaw to the waist. These Australian frogs are known for their large foot pads which enable these frogs to climb places like trees and rocks. Here are some key facts about them:
Green tree frogs have blue-green or green skin on their backs with white spots. In terms of colour, their lower part is white and the skin on the back of the thighs is yellow or maroon. Due to variations in colour, rare blue or yellow frogs exist. Their toe discs are sticky and their paws are webbed, which helps them climb trees.
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Scientific Classification of Green Tree Frog
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Hylidae |
| Genus | Dryophytes |
| Species | Dryophytes cinereus |
Physical Characteristic of Green Tree Frog
A green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) is an attractive and amphibious species found in some parts of Australia and New Guinea. Its physical characteristics and structure are as follows:
01. Size and Shape:
- Their body is large and robust, their length is about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches).
- Their snout is round and the body is thick.
- Well-developed adhesive discs are found on the claws for climbing heights.
02. Colouration:
- They have shiny green skin with white spots on the back.
- They have a white and yellow stripe on their back.
- They are identified by their golden eyes with black, horizontal pupils.
03. Some other Features:
- Their loose and folded skin helps them absorb water quickly.
- These frogs have parotid glands behind their eyes.
- Male frogs are slightly smaller in size than females.
Distribution of Green Tree Frog
The Australian Green Tree Frog (also known as the Australian Green Tree Frog, White’s Tree Frog or Dumpy Tree Frog) is a species of tree frog found in the northern and eastern regions of Australia as well as the lowlands of New Guinea. Its distribution is mainly restricted to areas with warm, wet tropical climates. Specifically, it is spread from Irian Jaya to Port Moresby. The largest population is found in Daru Island. Green Tree Frogs are also found in southern New Guinea and some neighboring islands.
Geographical Distribution
| CONTINENTS | Asia |
| COUNTRIES | Australia, Indonesia, Pupua New Guinea |
| BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REALMS | Australasian, Indomalayan |
Habitat & Life Style of Green Tree Frog
Green tree frogs are very docile in nature and do not fear humans or other animals. These frogs are active at night and come out early in the evening and start looking for their food. They are not a rainforest species but use the rain that falls almost every day and keep themselves moist by collecting in leaves and crevices. Their moist skin gives off a waxy coating which prevents evaporation. They often burrow during hot days to enable them to keep themselves dry.
These frogs have a number of native predators that threaten them, including snakes and many birds. Since the European settlement of the frogs in Australia, non-native predators have also been introduced, primarily dogs and cats. The average lifespan of this species is about 16 years if domesticated, but if allowed to live freely they can live for more than 20 years.
Life Style: These green tree frogs are generally terrestrial in nature but are sometimes able to adapt to living in water as well.
Diet & Nutrition of Green Frog
Green tree frogs (American green tree frogs) are insectivores whose main diet consists of live insects. Here are some key facts about their diet:
01. Insects:
Green tree frogs eat a variety of small insects, including:
- Crickets: Crickets are an important part of their diet as they love these insects.
- Flies: Their diet also includes flies and mosquitoes.
- Other small insects: Apart from the above, grasshoppers, moths and fruit flies are also part of their diet.
02. Live Prey:
These frogs feed on live insects rather than relying on dead animals as food. The act of eating live prey stimulates their natural hunting instincts.
03. Calcium Supplementation:
Since their habit is to climb trees and catch predators, it is important for them to have strong bones, so their food must be rich in calcium.
Mating Habits of Green Tree Frog
The green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) has a very unique and fascinating mating habit, Let’s find out:
01. Breeding Season:
- Breeding in these frogs usually takes place between November and February. During this time, male green tree frogs call out to females from slightly higher places around stagnant water sources and choose their breeding site there.
02. Mating Behaviour:
- Once the male frog attracts a mate, they engage in a behavior known as amplexus. In amplexus, the male grasps the female tightly to initiate fertilization and the mating is complete.
- To do this, the male frog climbs upon the female and brings their cloacal openings (for waste expulsion and reproduction) into contact with each other.
- When the time comes for the female to lay eggs, the male frogs start depositing sperm in them, which ensures fertilization.
03. Egg Laying:
- About 200 to 2000 eggs are laid at a time by a female frog, which puts them in the list of different creatures.
- Initially these eggs float on the surface of the water but within about 24 hours they sink to the bottom of the water source where these eggs were laid.
Life Span & Life Cycle of Green Tree Frog
These species of frogs usually have a life span of about 2 to 4 years, but in some cases they can live up to 6 years. Also, sometimes it also depends on the environment and conditions around them as to how many years they can live, in some cases it affects their life span which is as follows:
- In the wild: Green tree frogs can typically live for 2 to 4 years in their natural habitat. However, various factors can affect their longevity including habitat loss, lack of prey, various diseases, and other environmental hazards.
- In captivity: They can live for about 6 years if kept in captivity or reared with proper care. For this, it is necessary that they are taken good care of and fed at the right time and given nutritious diet.
References:Wikipedia
https://bytica.net/green-tree-frog-habitat-classification-life-span/