Hyla gratiosa                                                        Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Florida’s largest native treefrog, the barking treefrog can grow to 2.7 inches (6.8 cm).   This frog is named for its call, which sounds like distant pack of hounds barking.  Males call while floating in open, shallow ponds.

The barking treefrog is found in open mixed woodlands, pinelands and farmland.  It breeds in spring and summer in swamps and shallow ponds.

Coloration varies from bright green, greenish brown, to brown, and individuals can be unspotted or marked with round dark spots.  Along the sides of the body and under the front legs is a light stripe bordered by a purplish brown stripe. The toes end in a large adhesive pad.

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