Description: An attractive arboreal tree frog from the southeastern United States, where it lives in forest trees, usually not far from water. It may also burrow under ground occasionally. The call sounds like a dog barking, hence the name. The color and pattern are quite variable and they are also able to change color according to mood, temperature and light levels. Typically, the base color is medium green but ranges to yellow, gray or brown. Pattern consists of dark round spots or splotches, often with yellowish specks. Well-developed adhesive toe pads are present. Adult size ranges from 2 to 2¾". This is a very hardy frog that is friendly and can learn to take food from your fingers.

Temperatures: 70º to 82ºF daytime, 5 to 10ºF lower at night. Provide a 2 to 3-month cooler period during the winter.

Humidity: High, 70 to 80%.

Lighting: Plant grow lights are necessary for live plants, use a timer to provide a 10 to 12 hour day. Seasonal day length fluctuations are needed to stimulate breeding activity. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities.

Feeding: Appropriately sized crickets (approximately ¾") are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing frogs. Clean water should be available at all times. Misting the enclosure is beneficial.

Habitat: A ten-gallon tank will work for a pair but a larger and taller tank would be more suitable. Provide climbing branches and sturdy plants to make an arboreal forest habitat. They will also walk around on the ground hunting and going about their business. A good-sized water area would be an ideal place for egg deposition.

Seasonal Variation: These are temperate climate frogs and need to be given a winter cooling period of 2 to 4 months with shorter day lengths. Before beginning, make sure that they are healthy and stop feeding for a week or so to allow all food to be digested and any waste to be eliminated. Gradually lower the temps to between 50 and 60ºF and the day length to 6 or 8 hours. A dish of water must be available, do not spray the enclosure but do add water to the substrate if it starts to dry out. Gradually restore the temps and day length after the cooling period ends.

Sexing: Males are smaller and have a loud, low-pitched barking call.

Breeding: In the wild, breeding takes place throughout the spring and early summer in ponds and marshy areas, sometimes even in brackish water. More than a thousand eggs are possible, laid one at a time and left on the bottom. The tadpoles grow quite large, up to 2" long.
Occasionally, hybridization with the Green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) has been observed.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna