Arizona Tree Frog

Description: A small frog that does not get longer than 2 inches. Usually the male is smaller than the female. It is green with a dark stripe that passes through the eye and extends down the side of the body.

Sometimes spots will replace the stripe after the shoulder. Some may have dark spots on the head and upper and lower back. The throat of the male is dusky green or tan.

Range: Usually found in the mountains of central Arizona and western New Mexico along the Mogollon Rim. Elevations  above 5,000 feet. In Arizona, they are found from Williams to the White Mountains. A smaller population may exist in the Huachuca Mountains.

Habitat: Streams, wet meadows and ditches in Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and other coniferous forests.

Diet: Insectivore. Feed on beetles, spiders, earthworms, flies, bark beetles and other small invertebrates.

Activity Period: Remain dormant during much of the year. Most active during summer rainy season.

Reproduction: Mate at the beginning of the summer monsoon season. Breeding lasts up to three days. Eggs are laid in small clusters in vegetation. Tadpoles change to frogs within 11 weeks. Litter consists of three to four young in April through July. Breeding typically takes place in temporary pools to prevent predation from aquatic predators. Males will sometimes call
from the treetops.

Status: May be taken and kept with a valid Arizona hunting license or special permit.