Hyla arenicolor

Taxobox
name = Canyon Tree Frog
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Hyla"
species = "H. arenicolor"
binomial = "Hyla arenicolor"
binomial_authority = Cope, 1866
synonyms = "Hyla copii"
"Hyla affinis"
"Hyliola digueti"

The Canyon Tree Frog or Arizona Tree Frog ("Hyla arenicolor") is a species of tree frog native to the rocky plateau areas of southern United States, primarily in the states of New Mexico and Arizona, but it also ranges to neighboring states of Utah, Texas and Colorado, and as far south as the Mexican states of Michoacán, México, Guanajuato, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.

Description

Canyon tree frogs grow to 2-2.25 inches in length, and are typically a brown, grey-brown, or grey-green in color, often with darker colored blotching. They can vary quite a bit, but usually match the soil or rock coloration of their native habitat to serve as camouflage. Those from limestone habitats being lighter colored, those from regions composed mostly of granite can even be pink in coloration. Most have bright yellow in their groin region, and faded banding on their legs.

Behavior

Like most tree frogs, canyon tree frogs are mostly nocturnal and carnivorous. They are typically found in semi-arid, rocky habitats near a permanent water source. Breeding occurs during the spring rains, and large, floating egg masses of 100 or more eggs are laid on the water. During periods of low rainfall, the frogs will take refuge in rock crevices.

References

* Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/rangemap.php?species=55396 IUCN Range
]
* [http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/references.php?id=4148 Amphibian Species of the World: "Hyla arenicolor"]
* [http://wc.pima.edu/~bfiero/tucsonecology/animals/amph_catr.htm Desert Frogs of Tucson, AZ]
* [http://www.reptilesofaz.com/Turtle-Amphibs-Subpages/h-h-arenicolor.html Reptiles of Arizona]