Hyla arborea, known as the European tree frog, is a small species of amphibian characterized by its arboreal lifestyle and its ability to climb smooth surfaces thanks to the adhesive discs on its toes. Its body is compact and slender in appearance, reaching between 3 and 5 cm in length. The color of its skin varies between bright green and olive green, allowing it to effectively camouflage itself among vegetation, although on some occasions it can present more grayish or brown tones, depending on the environment and temperature.
One of the most notable characteristics of Hyla arborea is its ability to change color, a mechanism it uses to adapt to environmental conditions and to regulate its body temperature. Its eyes are large and prominent, with horizontal pupils that give it excellent vision, ideal for detecting small insects, its main source of food.
This frog has crepuscular and nocturnal habits, so it becomes more active at dusk and during the night. During the day, it usually remains motionless, attached to leaves or branches, where its green color makes it almost invisible. Despite its small size, male Hyla arborea are known for their powerful song, which they use during the breeding season to attract females. The sound is a high-pitched, repetitive croak that can be heard from a great distance, especially in wet areas such as ponds, lagoons or marshy areas, where they breed.
As for its distribution, Hyla arborea is found in much of Europe, ranging from southern Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula, and in areas of southwest Asia. It prefers to live in habitats close to bodies of water with abundant vegetation, such as forests, wetlands and grasslands with shrubs. During the mating season, females deposit their eggs in the water, where the tadpoles develop before transforming into young frogs and beginning their terrestrial life.
This species is an indicator of environmental quality, as it is sensitive to changes in its environment, especially pollution and habitat loss. Hyla arborea has been widely studied due to its unique biology and ecological importance in European ecosystems.
Approximate frog measurements:
One of the most notable characteristics of Hyla arborea is its ability to change color, a mechanism it uses to adapt to environmental conditions and to regulate its body temperature. Its eyes are large and prominent, with horizontal pupils that give it excellent vision, ideal for detecting small insects, its main source of food.
This frog has crepuscular and nocturnal habits, so it becomes more active at dusk and during the night. During the day, it usually remains motionless, attached to leaves or branches, where its green color makes it almost invisible. Despite its small size, male Hyla arborea are known for their powerful song, which they use during the breeding season to attract females. The sound is a high-pitched, repetitive croak that can be heard from a great distance, especially in wet areas such as ponds, lagoons or marshy areas, where they breed.
As for its distribution, Hyla arborea is found in much of Europe, ranging from southern Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula, and in areas of southwest Asia. It prefers to live in habitats close to bodies of water with abundant vegetation, such as forests, wetlands and grasslands with shrubs. During the mating season, females deposit their eggs in the water, where the tadpoles develop before transforming into young frogs and beginning their terrestrial life.
This species is an indicator of environmental quality, as it is sensitive to changes in its environment, especially pollution and habitat loss. Hyla arborea has been widely studied due to its unique biology and ecological importance in European ecosystems.
Approximate frog measurements:
- Scale 1:1 Full
- Length 87 mm
- Height 27 mm
- Width 52 mm
- Snout-tail length 45 mm
