Barking Tree Frog
Hyla gratiosa
Description
Barking tree frogs are notorious within the eastern seaboard of the United
States from which they hail. The call of a barking tree frog is a shrill
and distinguishable bark. It is so similar to the bark of a dog that dogs
have been known to respond to the call. They are predominately green or
green and brown with varying shades of black, yellow and grey. Some individuals
exhibit darker spotting, mottling or circles whereas others are solid colors.
Most individuals exhibit chameleonic color changes dependent upon indistinct
factors. These are the largest North American tree frog, obtaining lengths
of up to nearly 8 centimeters. They are a very hardy species and a lifespan
of 10+ years is not uncommon.
Natural Habitat
As stated above, barking tree frogs are native to the eastern seaboard
of the United States. More specifically, they range from northeastern Louisiana
eastward to the coast, blanket most of Florida and range as far north as
southern New Jersey. Given their heartiness and adaptation, their current
range may have expanded farther. During the colder and drier seasons, barking
tree frogs spend most of their time high above the ground in tree tops adjacent
to permanent water sources. During breeding season (March through August)
they congregate at most any standing water. Throughout the year barking
tree frogs live up to their name, seeming to prefer tall trees, high shrubs
and other strictly arboreal locations.
Artificial Habitat
Barking tree frogs are fairly adaptable. Given adequate space (three to
four adults may be kept in a 10-15 gallon aquarium), clean water and vertical
space for climbing, they are an extraordinarily hardy species. Ideally their
habitat should be taller than it is wide and include ample branches, tall
plants and the like to facilitate climbing. The substrate can be bare, indoor/outdoor
carpet, dirt, moss, bark or the like. A water bowl deep enough for submersion
should also be provided. Barking tree frogs are communal and many can be
housed together—in fact, they seem to enjoy one another’s company.
Despite the fact that barking tree frogs come from a primarily humid environment,
duplicating relative humidity in captivity is quite difficult and it is
imperative to avoid keeping these frogs too wet. The best captive environments
will be dry with a large water bowl half full (so as to prevent water from
sloshing out when the frogs get in) and a good hot basking spot (a 50 watt
spot suspended about 15 inches from the top of the enclosure is ideal).
It is also advisable to place some plants (plastic aquarium plants or live
plants) in the water dish to allow the frogs to soak in a more naturalistic
setting.
Diet
Barking tree frogs are insectivorous and eat most types of bugs. Given
the proper environment, barking tree frogs are voracious eaters. We have
witnessed them eating as many as a half dozen crickets in almost as many
seconds—night after night in the summer months! Crickets, earthworms,
roaches, spiders, moths, and flies are all viable sources of food. As with
most captive-kept frog species insects should be dusted with a vitamin and
mineral supplement to ensure adequate nutrition. Barking tree frogs can
also enjoy the occasional pinky (baby, hairless) mouse in addition to their
regular diet.
Caveats
Perhaps the biggest concern with a barking tree frog is that of its namesake.
The call of a male barking tree frog is quite loud and the chorus of several
males can be downright deafening. Since the vast majority of the frogs collected
are male, this is definitely an important consideration. Aside from the
possible noise, barking tree frogs are fairly trouble-free.
Why would I want a barking tree frog?
Barking tree frogs are an extraordinarily hardy species displaying tremendous variability in appearance. The fact that they seem to enjoy communal living enables one to collect a number of different individuals and witness their natural behavior. They are unwary and voracious eaters often gulping down food as soon as it is provided. Barking tree frogs are an active, entertaining and robust species that can provide many hours of observational enjoyment.