Tree frog

Presentation

The Tree frog is a small anuran amphibian belonging to the Hylidae family, recognizable by its smooth, often bright green skin and its adhesive pads on the ends of its fingers. This genus brings together numerous species distributed throughout the world, including the green Tree frog (Hyla arborea) common in Europe and North Africa. It lives near fresh water points but readily climbs vegetation thanks to its remarkable adhesion abilities. Its powerful nocturnal song, produced by an inflatable vocal sac, serves mainly to attract mates during breeding. Tree frog is a biological indicator sensitive to the quality of its environment. It constitutes an important link in wetland ecosystems by regulating insect populations.

Tree frog typically measures between 3 and 5 cm in length, with smooth skin and a bright green color that can vary depending on light and stress. Its fingers end in adhesive suction cups allowing it to climb on vertical and smooth surfaces. Its large, prominent eyes and thin silhouette distinguish it from other stockier amphibians such as frogs.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Tree frog frequents wetlands, ponds, ponds and streams bordered by dense vegetation which serves as a daytime refuge. It also likes meadows and forest edges located near water points necessary for its reproduction. Water quality and the presence of aquatic vegetation are essential to its survival.

Behaviour

The Tree frog is a primarily nocturnal and arboreal animal, spending the day hidden in dense vegetation near water. Males emit a characteristic, sonorous song to attract females during the breeding season, particularly in spring. Outside of the breeding season, the species remains discreet and solitary, moving little.

Reproduction

Reproduction takes place in spring in stagnant water points where females lay several hundred eggs grouped in gelatinous masses. The larvae, called tadpoles, develop in water for several weeks before metamorphosing into terrestrial juveniles. Sexual maturity is generally reached after two to three years.

Peculiarities

The Tree frog can change color slightly depending on temperature, brightness and its state of stress, a phenomenon of adaptive mimicry. Its digital suction cups allow it to adhere to smooth surfaces such as glass or slippery leaves. Male song can be heard several hundred meters away during breeding nights.

Threats and conservation

The destruction and drying of wetlands is the main threat to Tree frogs populations. Water pollution by agricultural pesticides particularly affects aquatic larvae, which are very sensitive to pollutants. Climate change and habitat fragmentation are also aggravating the decline observed in several regions.

References

Profile updated 31 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.