Green Treefrog
(Hyla cinerea)

Description: This medium to large treefrog is typically green in coloration with a bold white stripe running from the upper lip down the length of the body, terminating at the groin. The green dorsal coloration may extend past the white line on its sides and fade to a pale or grayish belly.  Many individuals decorated with varying numbers of bright yellow spots on their dorsum. When inactive, or on cold days, the greenish coloration may fade to brown or gray.  Like other members found in its genus, this frog is equipped with long limbs and enlarged toepads. 

Natural History: This frog is a habitat generalist and can be found nearby almost any wetland or wet area in the Coastal Plain, Sandhills and lower Piedmont in South Carolina. Breeding habitats include swamps, marshes, lakes, ponds, and along the banks of rivers. They are more tolerant of wetlands that are inhabited by fish than other treefrogs, and they have also been found in salt or brackish water wetlands.

This frog is most active at night from mid spring to early fall. Choruses will erupt around dawn falling a humid day or heavy rain system. During the day they typically hide on large leaves, under bark, or under logs — but can also be found hiding under the eaves or loose paneling around houses. They are frequently found foraging around lights at night and they can consume almost any insect they can fit in their mouth. 

 Similar Species: There are many other species that can be green with pale striping on the sides. Such as the Squirrel Treefrog, Barking Treefrog, or Pine Barrens Treefrog. However, the green treefrog has a few traits that make it stand out: 1) bold, prominent white stripes that go down the length of the body. 2) Green color that extends below the white stripes on the side. 3) It is the only treefrog that may have yellow spots on its back.  

Distribution:  This frog ranges from Delaware, then south to throughout Florida, and west to eastern Texas.  In South Carolina it is found in the Coastal Plains, Sandhills, and Lower Piedmont. 

Contributed by Jake Zadik (7/8/21)