Much like Spider-Man, a gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) can walk upside down on a smooth tree branch. This is thanks to its large, round toe pads that are equipped with special skin and mucous allowing the animal to cling tight to trees and branches.
Gray tree frogs are very small, ranging in size from 1.25 to 2 inches in length. Their name, however, is deceptive, because they can change color to match of their surroundings.
There are two species found in Maryland: the Copes gray tree and the eastern gray tree frog. There are very few ways to tell them apart other than DNA analysis.
These incredible little frogs can be found near treed areas that have standing water. They inhabit wetlands, forests, fields and even your own backyard.
“It?s important that we protect the habitat of these creatures,” said Rob Mardiney, education director at Irvine Nature Center, “because both locally and globally frogs are disappearing.”
Gray tree frogs are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night, because that?s when their food also is out. They like to dine on insects, snails, spiders and other small creatures. They are a very important part of the food web and help to control the insect population.
“We invite kids to come to Irvine and meet our gray tree frog,” Mardiney said.
Provided by the Irvine Nature Center. Visit www.explorenature.org.
