Gray Tree Frog

Looks how to spot one

skin

The skin is warty and coarse, with a blotchy pattern that looks like lichen. The frog can change colour from green to gray or brown depending on temperature and activity. There is a white spot beneath each eye and a dark stripe from behind the eye to the front legs. The upper legs have dark bands, and the undersides of the legs are bright yellow or orange, which acts as a warning to predators. The belly is white, and calling males have a black throat.1

Personality what they are like

Gray tree frogs are shy, timid and solitary. They are nocturnal and spend the day hiding in tree holes, under bark or leaves. At night they become active hunters. Males are territorial and will wrestle other males. They are better as display pets than handling pets because their delicate skin absorbs chemicals and oils easily.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low energy; nocturnal. They need a tall enclosure with branches, broad leaves and hiding spots to climb and explore at night. They are not active during the day.45

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal handling is best. If handling is necessary, use clean, powder-free gloves moistened with dechlorinated water and keep contact brief. The enclosure should be misted once or twice daily to maintain humidity around 50-70%, and the water dish should be kept clean with dechlorinated water.34

Home where they are happiest

A tall, vertically oriented enclosure is essential. Minimum size is 12x12x18 inches (30x30x45 cm) for one or two frogs, but 18x18x18 inches (45x45x45 cm) is better. Use a solid plastic or glass lid instead of a screen lid to keep humidity in. Furnish with branches, cork bark, broad leaves and a shallow water dish. Room temperature of 20-26°C is ideal, with a gentle drop at night. Humidity should be 50-70%, with good ventilation to prevent skin problems.254

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed small, gut-loaded crickets, roaches and other appropriately sized insects every two to three days for adults. Dust with calcium and vitamins a couple of times a week. Prey should be no wider than the space between the frog's eyes. Waxworms and mealworms should be used sparingly as treats to avoid obesity.64

Company who they like around

Gray tree frogs are solitary and should be kept alone or in pairs in a suitably sized enclosure. Males are territorial and may fight. They are not social animals and do not need companionship. They are best kept as display pets and should not be handled.21

The story where it all began

The gray tree frog has been kept as a pet by amphibian enthusiasts for many years, particularly in North America where it is native. Its scientific name Hyla versicolor means 'variable colour', referring to its ability to change skin colour. It is a popular choice for beginners because of its manageable size, hardiness and interesting behaviour. The species complex includes the Eastern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) and Cope's Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis), which are very similar in appearance and care.16