Ohio is home to a delightful diversity of tree frogs just waiting to be discovered. These tiny amphibians fill summer nights with their calls and provide glimpses of vibrant color in backyards, forests, and wetlands across the state. Let’s take a look at the six tree frog species that reside in Ohio and what makes each one special.
Gray Tree Frog
The gray tree frog (Dryophytes versicolor) is one of the most common and widespread tree frogs in Ohio Growing up to 2 inches long, these frogs can change color from green to gray depending on their surroundings They have a rough, bumpy skin texture and bright yellow patches on their hind legs.
Gray tree frogs are mostly found in trees, true to their name, only coming down to breed in ponds and wetlands. They are nocturnal and solitary, though large choruses of males will congregate to call on spring and summer nights. Their song is a bird-like trill lasting up to 30 seconds. Gray tree frogs often gather around lights at night to feast on insects drawn in.
Cope’s Gray Tree Frog
Very similar in appearance to the gray tree frog is Cope’s gray tree frog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis), also known as the southern gray tree frog. In fact, these two species are nearly impossible to distinguish visually. However, Cope’s gray tree frog has a faster-paced, higher-pitched call than the gray tree frog. It also seems to prefer more open, sunny habitats near water.
The ranges of these two gray tree frogs overlap across much of Ohio, so identification usually requires listening to their breeding calls. Cope’s gray tree frog also secretes skin irritants that can cause minor irritation to human eyes and mouth if handled.
Spring Peeper
The tiny spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is well-named for its high, piercing peeps that are one of the first signs of spring Reaching just over an inch long, these frogs are variable in color from tan to olive-green to brown They have a distinctive dark X shape across their backs.
Spring peepers emerge early in the year, even singing while there is still ice and snow on the ground. They are highly freeze-tolerant and use wooded areas, forests, marshes, and temporary wetlands for breeding. Huge choruses congregate on warm spring nights, with the males inflating vocal sacs under their chin as they call.
Boreal Chorus Frog
The boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) is a northern species found in Ohio’s coldest regions. They are tiny like spring peepers with three broken dorsal stripes down a brown or green back. These hardy frogs also emerge very early in spring sometimes even sitting on top of the remaining ice and snow.
During breeding season, boreal chorus frogs call from wetland vegetation with a unique series of rapid chuckles. Each male has its own distinctive call pattern. These frogs remain near permanent waters like marshes and ponds year-round.
Mountain Chorus Frog
As their name suggests, mountain chorus frogs (Pseudacris brachyphona) inhabit higher elevations in Ohio’s hillier regions. They are variable brown or greenish frogs up to 1.5 inches long. A key feature is the light triangle shape between their eyes.
Mountain chorus frogs breed in streams, rivers, marshes, and ponds. Their call is a ringing trill, repeated in groups of 3-20 notes over 2 second intervals. They call both day and night. This species is remnants of a once more widespread glacier frog found across Ohio after the last ice age.
Western Chorus Frog
Lastly, the western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) occurs statewide in Ohio. They are small like other chorus frogs, with three broken stripes down the back. Their color ranges from gray to brown to green. A white stripe runs along the upper lip.
These adaptable frogs use all kinds of habitats, with a preference for permanent waters. Their call is a rising, raspy trill, given repeatedly through the night. Western chorus frogs are notoriously difficult to spot as they are reclusive and mostly nocturnal. But their calls reveal their presence throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Discovering Ohio’s Tree Frogs
As this overview shows, Ohio is privileged to host a variety of fascinating tree frog species. While tiny, they make up for it with incredible freeze tolerance, variable camouflage abilities, and of course their musical breeding calls. With a little luck and patience, you may be able to find some of these charismatic amphibians on a warm Ohio night. Just listen for their songs ringing through the air as spring and summer return.
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Tree frogs? In Ohio?!
FAQ
What tree frogs live in Ohio?
The Gray Treefrog’s trill rate is slower and more melodious than the harsher trill of Cope’s Gray. While the Gray Treefrog is found throughout Ohio, Cope’s Gray Treefrog is restricted to the southern one-third of the state.
Are tree frogs good to have around?
Tree frogs mostly eat insects (mine are especially fond of moths attracted to my back porchlight) and other small invertebrates. Birds, snakes, and other predators eat them. They are beneficial wildlife for both reasons.
How do you get rid of tree frogs around your house?
- Spread salt or coffee grounds around the house
- Use a solution of water and vinegar to repel tree frogs
- Mix 1 lb of dry citric acid in 1 gallon of water and spray the frog-infested areas.
Can I keep a tree frog I found as a pet?
Frogs can make lovely pets, but frogs in the wild are facing population declines and extinction due to human encroachment. If you take in a wild-caught frog as a pet, it may have diseases or health issues.
How many tree frogs are there in Ohio?
There are six tree frogs that can be found in Ohio. If you’re recently seen a frog and want to identify it, then you have stopped on the right page. Whether you found a tree frog in your yard or saw one during your walk today, we provide detailed information on the tree frogs you may come across when out and about in Ohio. 1. Gray Tree Frog
Are there gray tree frogs in Ohio?
Typically these two species are gray, but they can change to green. However Cope’s gray tree frog is only found in the southern third of Ohio while the Eastern gray tree frog is widely distributed throughout the state, so if you spot a gray tree frog in the northern reaches of Ohio, it is reasonable to assume that it is an Eastern gray tree frog.
Where can I find a green frog in Ohio?
Green Frogs are one of the easiest frogs to find in Ohio. Green Frog Range Map Look for them in permanent bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, swamps, and streams. They spend most of their time near the shoreline but jump into deeper water when approached. They also breed and lay eggs near the shore, typically in areas with aquatic vegetation.
Are tree frogs endangered in Iowa?
In Iowa, the tree frogs are considered threatened. 2. Gray tree frog Scientific name: Dryophytes versicolor Gray tree frogs are small frogs found throughout Ohio that can change their color from green to gray as needed for camouflage.
What is a gray tree frog?
These small tree frogs grow to two inches or five centimeters with bumpy skin and bright yellow on their back legs, which makes it easier to identify them when looking for what tree frog you may have seen. The gray tree frog can be found in the coldest of temperatures with survival being recorded at -8ºC.
What is a cope’s gray tree frog?
Cope’s Gray Treefrogs are quite widespread all across Ohio, especially in the southern one-quarter of the state. These frogs, as the name suggests, are treefrogs that are really small in size. They have warty or granular skin that is molted green to lemon-yellow in color. The color can change depending on the activity and environment.