Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Statewide and common in NC, Cope's Gray Treefrogs are found in a variety of habitats, including front and back yards. The are occasionally seen on the sides of houses, sheds, and around landscaped water features.

Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Falls Lake, Wake Co., NC
29 May 2011

Gray Treefrogs are highly variable in color, ranging from gray to green to brown.

Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Falls Lake, Wake Co., NC
29 May 2011

They generally show a complex and variable dark pattern on their backs and a light patch under the eye.


Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC
28 Apr 2013

Some individuals are quite pale.

Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC
28 Apr 2013

Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC
28 Apr 2013

Cope's Gray Treefrog <I>(Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC
28 Apr 2013

All Cope's Gray Treefrogs show yellow/orangish spotting on the inside of the thigh.

Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover Co., NC
28 Apr 2013

Bellies are pale and spotted.


Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
York Co., VA
28 Aug 2013

Note that gray treefrogs are not always gray!

Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
York Co., VA
28 Aug 2013

Note the light patch below the eye.


Durham Co., NC
2 Aug 2013

Jeff B. suggests these may be eggs from multiple female Cope's Gray Treefrogs. Another possibility is Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad as both species were vocally active in this little water feature in my backyard.

Durham Co., NC
2 Aug 2013

Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Chatham Co., NC
8 May 2004
Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Holly Shelter Gamelands
Pender Co., NC
28 May 2003

Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Look closely at the top flower in this fountain in my front yard.

Durham, NC
3 July 2006
Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Close-up of the little fella from above.

Durham, NC
3 July 2006

Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Orange Co., NC
16 May 2006


Back to Jeff's Herps Page | Back to Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... June 29, 2003 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com