Louisiana State Amphibian

Green Tree Frog

(Hyla cinerea)

Adopted in 1993

The official state amphibian was adopted in 1993

Louisiana's amphibian, the green tree frog (hyla cinerea) is also known as the Fried Bacon Frog, Cowbell Frog and the Bell Frog, and lives in swamps, borders of lakes and bayous, on floating vegetation, in trees and bushes near water, in Spanish moss or under bark on trees, and any place well supplied with water or dampness. They can often be found clinging to windows or window sills at night looking for insects that are attracted to light.
 

Their length varies from 32 to 57 centimeters, and their color is usually green but changes frequently. It has a cream colored stripe with dark borders extending along the sides, and a dark stripe down the back. When calling, the color is almost yellow. They have a distinctive calling sound, almost like "Duck! Duck!".

Besides being the state amphibian, the green tree frog is the basis for the well know Muppet character "Kermit the Frog".

Common Names

Fried Bacon Frog, Cowbell Frog and the Bell Frog

Key Characters

Smooth skin; large toe pads; white or pale yellow stripe from upper lip to groin.

Description

Medium-sized (up to 6 cm SVL) bright green, yellowish green, olive green, or lime green frog with a few small splatters of gold or white. Belly clear pale yellow to white. Male slightly smaller than female. The male has a wrinkled throat indicating a vocal pouch.

Habitat

Open brushy borders of cypress swamps, floodplain sloughs, cattail marshes, lakes, and farm ponds.

Natural History

Adults and juveniles are seen on roads during and after rain. Diet consists of insects. Can change between dark and light green depending on temperature and lighting. Perches by day on upright cattail or other plant while legs are tightly tucked under body. Breeds late May to August. Males call, sometimes in large choruses, from button bush, swamp rose, lily pads, or other shoreline plants, and calls sound like a series of metallic honks, similar to cow bells or barking dogs. Eggs are laid under water surface and are attached to roots of floating vegetation. Embryos hatch in a few days and tadpoles transform in two months. Juveniles often feed in nearby grassy fields in late summer and autumn.

 

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