Canyon Tree Frog (Hyla arenicolor)

Common Name: Canyon Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla arenicolor
Family: Hylidae – Tree Frog family
Locations: United States and Mexico
US Locations: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah
Size: 1.25 – 2.25 inches (32-57 mm)

The Canyon Tree Frog is an arboreal frog found on boulders and rocks near streams not in the trees like most tree frogs are. They range in color from tan to gray to dark olive and try to blend in with rocks that they sit on to avoid predators. The frogs are inactive during the day but during the night, they will hunt for prey such as insects. During the hot summer days, they will hide in rock crevices to escape the heat.

The Canyon Tree Frog mates during late spring and summer. Males can be distinguished from females due to their darker throats. The males of the species will call from the edges of streams to attract the females. Once the female comes and selects a mate, they will embrace in the amplexus pose. Female can lay more than 100 eggs at a time. The tadpoles take only two months to complete their metamorphism where they will leave the water and ascend the rocks.