Tree frog is a type of frog that spends much of its life in the trees. True tree frogs make up a group called the hylids. There are hundreds of species (kinds). They live around the world. Most hylids live in trees. But some live on the ground. Some live on land and in the water.
Tree frogs have slim waists and long legs. Most have sticky pads called adhesive disks on their toes. These disks enable the frogs to climb trees and leap between branches. The frog’s color varies from gray to brown to green or yellow. Many species can change color to match their surroundings or to control body temperature. Tree frogs range in length from less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to more than 5 1/2 inches (14 centimeters).
Tree frogs eat insects and other small animals. Some species may also feed on larger prey, including other frogs. Birds, snakes, and mammals may eat tree frogs. The skin of some species may be distasteful to predators (hunting animals), providing the frogs some protection from being eaten.
Tree frogs breed when temperatures are warm and rainfall is abundant. Male tree frogs call by inflating one or two sacs near the throat. Males call to attract females and to establish territories. When many males arrive at a breeding area, they create a chorus. Each species makes a distinct call. Singing frogs can be heard late into the evening during the mating season. Many species lay eggs in the water. Others attach eggs to the underside of leaves that reach over water. When the eggs hatch, the tadpoles drop into the water.
