Fact File
Scientific Name: Hyla gratiosa
Classification: Amphibian
Conservation Status:
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 2a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Size: Up to 2.75 inches
Distribution: In Virginia, this species occurs only in the eastern half of the state with most populations found in the Coastal Plain and a few in the southeastern Piedmont. It typically inhabits wooded areas with pine, or mixed pine-hardwood forests.
Identifying Characteristics
The largest of Virginia’s treefrogs. This medium sized frog can be found in either a green phase or a less often gray phase. The skin is granular, and the back is typically evenly covered with dark, elliptical or round spots encircled with black. In some color phases, spots may be absent. A light stripe extends along the sides, bordered below by a purplish brown stripe.
Did You Know?
Unlike many other species of frog, male Barking Treefrogs call while floating in the water.
Role in the Web of Life
This species breeds from March-August in cypress ponds and swamps, and ephemeral habitats such as, interdunal swales, sinkholes, borrow pits, roadside ditches, and depressional wetlands. Their advertisement call doonk has been described as sounding like a hound dog barking in the distance.
Conservation
Tier II Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan
Last updated: March 23, 2021