Squirrel tree frog

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Squirrel tree frog
Hyla squirella2.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Dryophytes
Species:
D. squirellus
Binomial name
Dryophytes squirellus
(Daudin, 1800)
Synonyms
  • Calamita squirella Merrem, 1820
  • Hyla delitescens LeConte, 1825
  • Auletris squirella Wagler, 1830
  • Dendrohyas squirella Tschudi, 1838
  • Hyla squirella Bosc, 1800

The squirrel tree frog (Dryophytes squirellus) is a small species of tree frog found in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia. This is an introduced species in the Bahamas. Squirrel tree frogs are small frogs, about 1.5 inches in length as adults. There are several color variations, but most commonly they are green and look very much like the American green tree frog. They can also be varying shades of yellow or brown, sometimes with white or brown blotching.

Contents

Predation

As tadpoles, the squirrel tree frog is preyed upon by dragonfly nymphs, giant water bugs, predatory fish and newts. [2] [3] Once the tadpoles metamorphose, the predators of the frogs change to small mammals, other frogs, snakes, birds. [2]

To reduce the danger of being eaten as tadpoles, they use dense vegetation as cover. [4] However, they do not appear to reduce activity within this cover. It has been suggested that the drying of the ponds is a more significant threat to the frogs than predation. As adults, they use their diminutive size and color-changing ability to avoid predation. [5] When not feeding, the frog reduces activity and hides in a retreat; frogs feed within 28 meters of this retreat site. [2]

Diet

The tadpoles are suspension feeders that scrape organic and inorganic matter from rocks, plants and log substrates. Adult squirrel tree frogs are very aggressive predators on insects and other invertebrates. They have been observed visiting porch lights in the evening to catch the bugs drawn in by the lights and circling piles of fresh cow-dung to devour the midges that were attracted to the cow-dung. An examination of tree frog stomachs found that nine were empty; four contained beetles; two contained only plant debris; and the rest contained a mixture of crayfish, spiders, crickets, and ants. Tree frogs' eating habits are affected by geographic location, weather, and developmental stage.

Distribution & reproduction

Squirrel tree frogs are found in the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Eastern Texas to the Florida Keys. The species is prominent throughout the Coastal Plain regions of South Carolina and Georgia. [6] They have recently been introduced to the Bahamas, on Grand Bahama Island [7] and Little Bahama Bank. [8] They very rarely are found as far north as Mississippi. They occupy a wide range of habitats including fields; urbanized areas; swamps; pine and oak groves; opened wooded areas; the sides of buildings and almost anywhere that food, moisture and shelter can be found. They return to wetlands to breed, typically in locations such as ephemeral pools, roadside ditches or canopy pools where they are safe from predatory fish. [9] Breeding is tied strongly to rain events. [10] The females are oviparous and the eggs are laid singly or in pairs, typically less than or equal to one thousand in number. Males have a special breeding call that can be heard from March to August, even extending into autumn in some parts of the country. [11] They breed in large aggregates during the summer months. [12]

[13]

Conservation

Squirrel tree frogs are active foragers, even when insect predators are present. [14] They can be found in both open- and heavily-forested wetlands, but they have higher rates of survival in bodies of water with a higher density vegetation. [15] Due to their high levels of activity, squirrel tree frogs tadpoles are vulnerable to predation by multiple species of fish, and the adults are vulnerable to predation by the non-native Cuban tree frog. [16] [17]

Because of their rapid growth and development, the tadpoles are more likely to survive insect predators than fish predators. [14] There are multiple species of fish, including Gambusia holbrooki, that are capable of hunting and consuming squirrel tree frog tadpoles within higher density vegetation [4] They are a highly active species that forages throughout the water column, and as a result the tadpoles are vulnerable to many species of fish [17]

The Cuban tree frog is known to eat smaller native frogs including the squirrel tree frog. As the population of the Cuban tree frog has increased in Florida, the native squirrel tree frog population has decreased. [18] When they are reared alongside Cuban tree frogs, squirrel tree frogs have a lower survival rate than when they are reared alone; however, the Cuban tree frog does not appear to be a threat to the squirrel tree frog tadpoles. [15]

Although the squirrel tree frog population has decreased in some urbanized areas, they are abundant in some areas of Augusta, Georgia, and Tampa, Florida. The squirrel tree frog crosses roads at night after rains, but the overall effect of traffic on the population is unknown. [5] The squirrel tree frog has a large population and an ability to adapt to disturbed habitats; as a result, there are few concerns about its conservation status. [19] Although there are few concerns about its conservation status, the squirrel tree frog reproductive cycle could be impacted by climate change. Climate change is leading to long periods of hydrological drought and declining the number of ephemeral wetlands that these frogs rely on for breeding.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hylidae</span> Family of frogs

Hylidae is a wide-ranging family of frogs commonly referred to as "tree frogs and their allies". However, the hylids include a diversity of frog species, many of which do not live in trees, but are terrestrial or semiaquatic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cuban tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Cuban tree frog is a large species of tree frog that is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands; but has become invasive in several other places around the Americas. Its wide diet and ability to thrive in urban areas has made it a highly invasive species with established colonies in places such as Florida, the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and the Caribbean Islands. These tree frogs can vary in size from 2 to 5.5 inches in length. Due to their large size, Cuban tree frogs can eat a wide variety of things, particularly native tree frogs, and their removal has shown to result in an increase in the amount of native tree frogs in an area. The tadpoles of Cuban tree frogs also heavily compete with native frog tadpoles, which can cause negative effects in body mass, size at metamorphosis, and growth rates for the native tadpoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The European tree frog is a small tree frog. As traditionally defined, it was found throughout much of Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but based on molecular genetic and other data several populations formerly included in it are now recognized as separate species, limiting the true European tree frog to Europe from France to Poland and Greece.

<i>Agalychnis callidryas</i> Species of amphibian

Agalychnis callidryas, commonly known as the red-eyed tree frog, is a species of frog in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. It is one of the most recognizable frogs. It is native to forests from Central America to north-western South America. This species is known for its bright coloration, namely its vibrant green body with blue and yellow stripes on the side. It has a white underside, brightly red and orange colored feet, and is named after its distinctive bright red eyes. One particular and special feature of the frogs coloration is its exceptional high reflectance in the near-infrared.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American green tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The American green tree frog is a common arboreal species of New World tree frog belonging to the family Hylidae. This nocturnal insectivore is moderately sized and has a bright green to reddish-brown coloration. Commonly found in the central and southeastern United States, the frog lives in open canopy forests with permanent water sources and abundant vegetation. The American green tree frog is strictly aquatic during the hibernating and mating seasons. When defending its territory, the frog either emits aggressive call signals or resolves to grapple with intruders, seldom leading to injury or death. To avoid predation, the frog will leap into the water or jump into the treetops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese tree frog</span> Amphibian species from East Asia

Hyla japonica, commonly known as the Japanese tree frog, is a species of anuran native to Japan, China, and Korea. H. japonica is unique in its ability to withstand extreme cold, with some individuals showing cold resistance at temperatures as low as −30 °C for up to 120 days. H. japonica are not currently facing any notable risk of extinction and are classified by the IUCN as a species of "least concern". Notably, H. japonica have been sent to space in a study that explored the effect of microgravity on H. japonica. Hyla japonica is synonymous with Dryophytes japonicus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Columbia spotted frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Columbia spotted frog is a North American species of frog. It is green to brown in color with spots on the dorsal surface. The belly and upper lip are white in color. Individuals can be distinguished from other Rana species by their shorter back legs, narrow snout, and upturned eyes. Since they spend most of their time in the water, they also have more webbing in their hind feet than similar species. Although not threatened, this animal has been studied as a model species for the effects of habitat fragmentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray treefrog</span> Species of amphibian

The gray treefrog is a species of small arboreal holarctic tree frog native to much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cope's gray treefrog</span> Species of amphibian

Cope's gray treefrog is a species of treefrog found in the United States and Canada. It is almost indistinguishable from the gray treefrog, and shares much of its geographic range. Both species are variable in color, mottled gray to gray-green, resembling the bark of trees. These are treefrogs of woodland habitats, though they will sometimes travel into more open areas to reach a breeding pond. The only readily noticeable difference between the two species is the mating call — Cope's has a faster-paced and slightly higher-pitched call than D. versicolor. In addition, D. chrysoscelis is reported to be slightly smaller, more arboreal, and more tolerant of dry conditions than D. versicolor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pine Barrens tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Pine Barrens tree frog is a species of New World tree frog. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.

<i>Gastrophryne carolinensis</i> Species of amphibian

Gastrophryne carolinensis, the eastern narrow-mouthed toad, is a species of microhylid frog. It is a relatively small, toad-like amphibian found in damp, shady habitats. The species is highly fossorial, and feeds primarily on ants. These North American microhylids are distinguished from true toads, and other anurans by their moist, smooth skin, their lack of eardrums or tympana, their distinguishable squat body shape, and the unique fold of skin superior to their eyes. It is found in the United States, from southern Maryland to the Florida Keys, west to Missouri and Texas. While not a true toad, it is so called because it is terrestrial.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canyon tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The canyon tree frog is a species of tree frog native to the rocky plateau areas of southern United States, primarily in New Mexico and Arizona, but it also ranges to Utah, Texas, and Colorado, and as far south as the Mexican states of Michoacán, México, Guanajuato, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little grass frog</span> Species of amphibian

The little grass frog is a species of chorus frog endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is currently the smallest North American anuran and occurs in a wide variety of ephemeral and semi-permanent wetlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern mosquitofish</span> Species of fish

The eastern mosquitofish is a species of freshwater fish, closely related to the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis. It is a member of the family Poeciliidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. The eastern mosquitofish is native to the eastern and southern United States from Florida to Pennsylvania and inland to Alabama and Tennessee, while the western mosquitofish has a larger distribution throughout the United States.

<i>Dryophytes gratiosus</i> Species of amphibian

Dryophytes gratiosus, commonly known as the barking tree frog, is a species of tree frog endemic to the south-eastern United States. Formerly known as Hyla gratiosa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bird-voiced tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The bird-voiced tree frog is a species of frog in the family Hylidae, endemic to the United States. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, shrub-dominated wetlands, and swamps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pine woods tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The pine woods tree frog is a species of frog in the family Hylidae, endemic to the southeastern United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wright's mountain tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

Wright's mountain tree frog is a species of frog in the family Hylidae found in Mexico and the United States. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate grassland, rivers, and freshwater marshes. Dryophytes wrightorum has been regarded as a synonym of Dryophytes eximius, the mountain tree frog, which is listed as the state amphibian of Arizona. As presently circumscribed, Dryophytes eximius is endemic to Mexico and does not occur in Arizona. It is the state amphibian of Arizona.

<i>Dryophytes</i> Genus of amphibians

Dryophytes is a genus of Ameroasian tree frogs in the family Hylidae. They are found mostly in North America, but the genus also includes three species found in eastern Asia.

<i>Dryophytes suweonensis</i> Species of amphibian

Dryophytes suweonensis, the Suweon treefrog or Suwon treefrog, is a species of frog in the family Hylidae endemic to the Korean Peninsula probably from the Imjin River to the Mangyeong River, south of Iksan. Its distribution and population have been assessed to be below 800 individuals and the status of the species has been updated as Endangered by the IUCN. The natural habitat of the species has been generally transformed into rice fields and it is threatened by habitat loss.

References

  1. ↑ Hammerson, G.A.; Hedges, S.B. (2017). "Dryophytes squirellus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T55662A112715025. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T55662A112715025.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Dodd, Kenneth C. (2013). Frogs of the United States and Canada, Volumes 1 and 2. Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 288–294. ISBN   9781421410388. OCLC   853495816.
  3. ↑ Tipton, Bob (2012). Texas Amphibians: A Field Guide. University of Texas Press. pp. 192–194. ISBN   9780292742925. OCLC   961605472.
  4. 1 2 Baber, Matthew J.; Babbitt, Kimberly J. (2004). "Influence of Habitat Complexity on Predator-Prey Interactions between the Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) and Tadpoles of Hyla squirella and Gastrophryne carolinensis". Copeia. 2004 (1): 173–177. doi:10.1643/ce-03-056r1. JSTOR   1448653. S2CID   85242834.
  5. 1 2 "AmphibiaWeb - Hyla squirella". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2017-12-11.
  6. ↑ Virden, Tyler. “Hyla Squirella (Squirrel Treefrog).” Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hyla_squirella/.
  7. ↑ Society, National Geographic. "Squirrel Tree Frog". National Geographic Society. Retrieved 2022-06-03.
  8. ↑ Schwartz, Albert; Henderson, Robert W. (1991). Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies : descriptions, distributions, and natural history. Gainesville: University of Florida Press. p. 137. ISBN   9780585192420. OCLC   44958544.
  9. ↑ Hether, T. 2012. machine learning identifies specific habitats associated with genetic connectivity in hyla squirella
  10. ↑ Taylor, Ryan C.; Buchanan, Bryant W.; Doherty, Jessie L. (2007-12-01). "Sexual selection in the squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella: the role of multimodal cue assessment in female choice". Animal Behaviour. 74 (6): 1753–1763. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.03.010. ISSN   0003-3472.
  11. ↑ Binckley, Christopher A.; Resetarits, William J. (2002-01-01). "Reproductive decisions under threat of predation: squirrel treefrog (Hyla squirella) responses to banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus)". Oecologia. 130 (1): 157–161. Bibcode:2002Oecol.130..157B. doi:10.1007/s004420100781. ISSN   1432-1939. PMID   28547021. S2CID   206990169.
  12. ↑ Horner, A. A., Hoffman, E. A., Tye, M. R., Hether, T. D., & Savage, A. E. (2017). Correction: Cryptic chytridiomycosis linked to climate and genetic variation in amphibian populations of the Southeastern United States. PLOS ONE, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186066
  13. ↑ Taylor, Ryan C; Buchanan, Bryant W; Doherty, Jessie L (December 2007). "Sexual selection in the squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella: the role of multimodal cue assessment in female choice". Animal Behaviour. 74 (6): 1753–1763. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.03.010. S2CID   12184729.
  14. 1 2 Babbitt, Kimberly J.; Tanner, George W. (1997). "Effects of Cover and Predator Identity on Predation of Hyla squirella Tadpoles". Journal of Herpetology. 31 (1): 128–130. doi:10.2307/1565342. JSTOR   1565342.
  15. 1 2 Knight, C.M. (2009). "Influence of priority effects and pond location on invaded larval amphibian communities". Biol. Invasions. 11 (4): 1033–1044. doi:10.1007/s10530-008-9314-2. S2CID   26167766.
  16. ↑ Quick, David (2005). "Invasive predator here from Florida, but can it survive lowcountry winter?". The Post and Courier. ProQuest   374016644.
  17. 1 2 Baber, M.J. (2003). "The relative impacts of native and introduced predatory fish on a temporary wetland tadpole assemblage". Oecologia. 136 (2): 289–295. Bibcode:2003Oecol.136..289B. doi:10.1007/s00442-003-1251-2. PMID   12712313. S2CID   12123097.
  18. ↑ Davidson, Micharl Scot (2014). "Invasive frogs are spreading in Florida". Sarasota Herald Tribune.
  19. ↑ IUCN (2004). "Dryophytes squirellus: Hammerson, G.A. & Hedges, B." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2004. doi: 10.2305/iucn.uk.2017-1.rlts.t55662a112715025.en .
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