Gray Tree Frog

Hyla versicolor (also called Dryophytes versicolor)

A color-changing eastern tree frog that survives winter by partly freezing.

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About the Gray Tree Frog

Gray tree frogs are 1.25 to 2.25 inches long; females are a bit larger. Their lichen-like pattern can turn green, gray or brown. They live from northern Florida to central Texas and north into southeastern Canada, in forests, swamps, farms and backyards. At night they climb with special toe pads to hunt insects, mites, spiders, snails and slugs.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Hyla versicolor (also called Dryophytes versicolor)^[1][2]
Size: Males 1.25 to 2 inches; females 1.5 to 2.25 inches.^[1]
Lifespan: Usually 7 to 9 years.^[1]
Diet: Insects, mites, spiders, plant lice, snails and slugs.^[1]
Habitat: Forests, swamps, farmland and backyards.^[1]
Where it lives: Eastern U.S. from northern Florida to central Texas, and southeastern Canada.^[1]
Group life: Nocturnal; males defend territories.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2020).^[2]

Fun facts

Gray tree frogs survive winter partly frozen.^[1]
Hyla versicolor means 'variable color.'^[1]
Males may call for up to four hours a night.^[1]

Vocabulary

arboreal: Living mostly in trees.
toe pad: A sticky pad on the toes that helps a frog climb.
hibernate: To spend the winter in a deep, sleep-like state.
nocturnal: Active mainly at night.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Smithsonian's National ZooWashington, D.C. · AmazoniaSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Gray tree frog.” https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/gray-tree-frog (accessed 2026-10-08)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Dryophytes versicolor (Gray Treefrog).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/55687/193371642 (accessed 2026-10-08)