Facts on the Arizona Tree Frog

The Arizona tree frog is the official state amphibian of Arizona, according to Netstate.com. The Arizona tree frog is one of only two frog species found in Arizona. The only other frog species that's found in Arizona is the canyon tree frog. The scientific name for the Arizona tree frog is Hyla wrightorum, according to ReptilesofAZ.org.

  1. Size

    • Arizona tree frogs are only 3/4 inch to 2 inches long, according to Netstate.com. These frogs start out as tadpoles that are approximately 1 1/2 inches in length.

    Characteristics

    • Arizona tree frogs can range in color from green to gold or bronze, according to Netstate.com. These tree frogs also have a dark black stripe that runs from their head along their back to the rear of their legs. The underside of this frog is whitish in color. These throats have either a tan or greenish throat. Some Arizona tree frogs have black spots on their back, according to ReptilesofAZ.org. Arizona tree frogs have small pads cushioning the end of their toes. These pads are an adaptation that help the frogs climb trees.

    Diet

    • Arizona tree frogs have a diet consisting mainly of insects, including beetles, spiders, earthworms, flies and bark beetles, according to ReptilesofAZ.org. Arizona tree frogs will also eat other small invertibrates.

    Considerations

    • During the early rain season, Arizona tree frogs can be heard calling from the top of trees, according to Netstate.com. This call sounds like a nasal clicking sound. The call is used to find a mate before eggs are laid.

    Geography

    • Arizona tree frogs typically live in oak, pine and fir forests located at least 5,000 meters above sea level, according to Netstate.com. Specific locations that Arizona tree frogs are found in are the mountains of central Arizona, the Mogollon rim and the Huachuca Mountains in Cochise County.

    Habitat

    • The Arizona tree frog typically lives in montane streams, wet meadows, cienegas, roadside ditches, pine oak forests, ponderosa pine trees and Douglas firs, according to ReptilesofAZ.org. These frogs usually breed in bodies of water.

    Time Frame

    • Arizona tree frogs breed at the beginning of the summer monsoon season, according to ReptilesofAZ.org. Breeding habits typically last between two and three days. The mating call is repeated between two and three times per second until frogs find a mate. Eggs are laid in small clusters and are attached to vegetation. It takes between six and 11 weeks for tadpoles to morph into frogs.