THE STEINHART AQUARIUM - Gulf of Guinea Science ...

ats and other mammals. Tadpoles taken by
aquatic predators such as giant water bugs or
fishing spiders such as those on display in the
Water Planet.
Conservation Status: CITES Appendix II.
A. callidryas has become the familiar icon
for conservation of the world’s rainforests.
However, as deforestation continues to destroy
its habitat, its numbers are shrinking.
These frogs are also threatened by being
captured by zoos or for the pet trade.
Global warming, deforestation, climatic and
atmospheric changes, wetland drainage and
pollution have caused dramatic declines and
deformities in all amphibian populations
including those of the neotropical rainforests.
Green Treefrog
Hyla cinerea (Hylidae)
Distribution: Central to Southeastern United
States. North to Virginia’s eastern shore, south
to the southern tip of Florida, west to central
Texas.
Habitat: Forest habitats in small ponds, large
lakes, marshes, and streams, especially in
richly vegetated areas.
Appearance: Bright yellow-green above,
though some are reddish-brown to green,
often with small golden spots. White to cream
below with a prominent white lateral stripe
on each side. Length to 62 cm. Females larger
than males.
Diet: Insectivores: flies, mosquitoes, and other
small insects.
Reproduction and Development: Breeding
cycle is influenced by day length, temperature,
and rainfall. To attract females, males produce
a distinct advertisement call. Males mate with
as many females as they can attract.
Mortality/Longevity: Predators include
snakes, birds, large fish, and other frogs.
Predatory aquatic insects such as giant water
bugs may take tadpoles. Green frogs in
captivity are known to live as long as 6 years.
Remarks: Active at night. During the day,
adults are well camouflaged among grasses
and other vegetation, especially when legs are
tucked below the body and eyes are closed.
Grey Treefrog
Hyla versicolor (Hylidae)
Distribution: Southern Ontario/Maine,
California Academy of Sciences
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westward to central Texas, northwest to
Manitoba, and south to northern Florida. An
isolated colony is also noted in New Brunswick.
Habitat: All elevations of wooded areas near
temporary and permanent waters.
Appearance: Dorsal surface is rough and
sprinkled with warts, but less than those of an
average toad. Colors range with background
and environment (including season and
humidity), but shades of gray are common
with a black star on the back and white mark
beneath the eye. Bottom of hind legs and groin
are orange/yellow with black speckles; belly is
white. Sexes alike. Average size: length ~ 3–5
cm; weight ~ 7 g.
Diet: Tadpoles: algae and detritus. Adults:
opportunistic cannibals, eating smaller frogs
if they can catch and swallow them as well as
most insects and their larvae.
Reproduction and Development: Males start
breeding choruses in April/May and go on
for several weeks. Females choose males with
the most prolonged and frequent calls. Eggs
are externally fertilized by the male. Tadpoles
hatch in 3–7 days and become froglets in 6-8
weeks.
Mortality/Longevity: Suffer a high mortality
in the wild; in captivity can live up to 7 yrs.
Remarks: Two species, Hyla versicolor and
Hyla chrysoscelis, look identical and are
distinguishable only by chromosome number
(H. chrysoscelis is diploid, H. versicolor is
tetraploid) and mating call (trill rate is faster
in H. chrysoscelis). The different pulse rate and
pitch of the mating call is a barrier to cross
breeding.
Hylid treefrogs produce a mucus on their
toepads which adheres to smooth bark or
man-made structures. Also, extra cartilage
segments between the last two bones of each
toe allow the toes to swivel and remain flat
against surfaces.
These frogs are known to seek out light sources,
which attract insects.
Waxy Monkey Tree Frog
Phyllomedusa sauvagii (Hylidae)
Distribution: Chacoan (dry prairie) regions of
Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
Habitat: Arboreal, near ponds, lagoons, &
other bodies of fresh water.