Scientific Name
Pseudacris regilla. The genus name Pseudacris is derived from the Greek word pseudes, meaning false, and akris, meaning locust. This is a reference to the treefrogs’ voice. The species name regilla is from the Latin word regillus, meaning regal or splendid.
Appearance and Size
They come in many shades of green or brown and can change their skin colors based on light and heat. All have a dark stripe through each eye. They usually grow up to 0.5 to 1.75 in. from snout to vent.
Habitat
Found in wetlands, ponds, and rivers of coniferous forests, oak woodland chaparral and grassland.
Range
Throughout the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
Life Cycle
They breed from February to August. The tadpoles metamorphose into tiny froglets within 3 months after hatching. On average, Pacific treefrogs live up to 5 to 7 years in the wild. In captivity, they have been known to live for 9 years.
Voice
The males’ breeding call is a 2-note “kreck-ek” or “ribbit” sound.
Predators
Predators include snakes, raccoons, river otters, and bullfrogs.
FAQs
Where at Edgewood am I likely to see or hear Pacific treefrogs?
In creeks and vernal pools (temporary ponds). They are most frequently heard along the upper Clarkia Trail above the creek in the eastern canyon.
What are their calls like?
Pacific treefrogs’ calls are a high-pitch 2-note “kreck-eck” or ribbit sound. Calls can be made at any time of the day, but large choruses are most common when it gets dark. Males also sometimes make a one-note aggressive “krrreck” sound if one frog gets to close to another in the breeding pond. More about calls.
How does their life cycle fit in with our seasons?
As the wet season warms up in February, they start breeding. The ponds contain numerous egg masses and tadpoles until April, when most tadpoles start to grow legs and develop. The small Pacific treefrogs tadpoles metamorphose into tiny frogs by late June, and juvenile frogs occur in the surrounding areas throughout the rest of summer.
What times of day and year can I hear them?
They are active both day and night. Large choruses of their calls are most common around sunset. Their calls are best heard in their breeding season from February to June, although there might be smaller vocalizations on milder days in winter.
What do they do in the dry season?
When the temporary ponds dry up in hotter weather, most Pacific treefrogs seek wet habitats on land, including tall grass and dark alcoves in the ground.
What other places nearby are Pacific treefrogs common?
Other preserves where Pacific treefrogs are common include Windy Hill Preserve, Skyline Ridge Preserve, and Mori Point Wetlands in Pacifica. These areas contain larger, more permanent bodies of water with adequate plants where these frogs can be found most of the year.
Learn More…
Sierran Tree Frog on California Herps.
Information compiled by Matthew James 2013