Description
The Pacific Treefrog has rough skin of various colours and patterns.
It is distinguished from other treefrogs by a dark brown or black line
across the face that runs horizontally through each eye. It has large toe
pads which help it climb and often has a dark triangle between the eyes.
Adults may reach 5 cm.
Call
The call is a repeated series of two short high pitched notes.
The first note is shorter, higher and raspier than the second so that the
call sounds syncopated.
Confusing Species
Although the Boreal Chorus Frog is
found in northeastern British Columbia, the Pacific Treefrog is the only
treefrog found in the southern part of the province. The Boreal Chorus
Frog differs in having three dark stripes down its back. The Wood
Frog also has a dark line through the eye, however it also has prominent
dorsolateral ridges down the back and does not
have enlarged toe pads.
Distribution
In Canada, the Pacific Treefrog is found only in British Columbia.
It is found on the southern mainland and throughout Vancouver Island. It
has been transplanted to Graham Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Southward it is found through the western United States and into Mexico.
Habitat
The Pacific Treefrog lives on the ground among vines, shrubs
and grasses, near water.
Reproduction
Clusters of 20-50 eggs are laid in the late winter and early
spring and metamorphosis is complete within a couple months.
Natural history
Pacific Treefrogs can change colour rapidly to more closely
match their background. A green treefrog will stay green but change from
an almost blackish green against a dark background to the most pale of
greens against a bright background.
Conservation Concerns
There is no evidence of decline in this species.
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