(Canyon Tree Frog)
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(Canyon Tree Frog) |
| COMMON NAME: Canyon Tree Frog
SCUENTIFIC NAME: Hyla arenicolor STATUS: Federal- No status; Utah- No status RANKING: Global- Secure; Utah- Not Provided FOREST PRESENT: Dixie
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DESCRIPTION: Although rather small ( 1 1/4- 2 1/4 inches long), the Canyon Tree Frog is plump and toad-like in appearance. It has a well-developed toe pads. The webbing on the hind foot does not extend to the tip of the fifth toe. The Canyon Tree Frog is normally gray to brown color on the dorsal surface, with darker spots or blotches on the back. Some individuals, particularly in Southwest Utah, have no spots. The skin is rather rough. The ventral surface is cream colored with a yellow or orange tinge on the hind legs. A dark edged light spot beneath the eye is a key field identification. There is no eye stripe. Adult males have a dusky throat.
LIFE HISTORY: The Canyon Tree
Frog is found in rocky canyons in arid areas, usually within jumping distance
of perennial and intermittent streams. It prefers streams with a
hard rocky bottom. In the Intermountain Region, it is found only
in Southern Utah. The Canyon Tree Frog is predominantly nocturnal
and when inactive retreats to rocks or stony crevices. It is largely
a ground dwelling species but occasionally climbs trees.
BREEDING: The Canyon Tree Frog normally
breeds from March to July and possibly as late as August. Breeding
maybe delayed during periods of inadequate rainfall. The frog usually
lays its eggs in rock bound pools along canyon bottoms. The eggs
are pigmented.
DIET: Like most amphibian species,
the larvae feed on algae, plant tissue and suspended organic debris.
Metamorphosed adults feed on small terrestrial insects including ants,
beetles, spiders and centipedes.
VOICE: Call is a loud, single pitched,
rivet gun sounding "brrurt- brrurt- brrurt" that at close range sounds
as if emanating from a tin can. Calls last from 1/2-3 seconds and
are given at night.
USDA,
Forest Service
Federal
Building
324
25th Street
Ogden,
Utah 84401