Pine Barrens Treefrog

Scientific name: Hyla andersonii

These distinctly marked green frogs are a Florida species of special concern, meaning their population is small and dwindling because of habitat loss. They breed in somewhat rare low pH (acidic) waters, and live in very specific habitats, so they are difficult to find, count and study.

Appearance

Small and stout, usually 1 to 2 inches long. They are usually pale to vibrant green with a distinct wide brownish stripe bordered in white that runs from nostril and eye down along their sides. They also have yellowish or orange spots on the hidden parts of their legs and groin.

Behavior

A lot more can be learned about these unique tree frogs. Their shrinking habitats and low numbers, coupled with their calling behavior, make them difficult to find and study. They prefer evergreen-oak forests and shrub bogs within 100 yards of shallow, acidic ponds where they lay eggs. Although they have many predators as tadpoles, as adults they are slower and tend to hide in leafy ground cover to avoid the snakes that usually hunt them.

Food

Insectivores. They eat mainly ants, flies, beetles and other small insects.

Habitat & Range

• Only three known U.S. ranges: Florida Panhandle into southern Alabama, New Jersey Pine Barrens, and North & South Carolina Sandhills.
• Florida: Found only on the central-western portion of the Florida Panhandle. Native.
• They prefer herbaceous and shrubby acidic seepage bogs and draining sandy uplands. They are somewhat terrestrial and arboreal, which means they live among low leafy plants and also climb up in low vegetation.

Notable

This small frog was listed as endangered from 1977 to 1983 and is currently listed by the IUCN as near threatened. The population is steadily decreasing due to habitat loss and population fragmentation in its native ranges. It is believed that natural wildfires are integral to their breeding habitat, which also affects their population’s ability to rebound.

More info

• UF Wildlife
• AmphibiaWeb
• IUCN Red List

3-D Print

• Have access to a 3-D printer? Download from MorphoSource

Learn more about the Herpetology Collection at the Florida Museum.