Cope's Gray Treefrog

Photo Credit: A.B. Sheldon

Family: Hylidae (Treefrogs)
Status: Common
Size: 1.25 to 2.0 inches

Cope's Gray Treefrog video [exit DNR]

Although smaller and slightly smoother-skinned than the gray treefrog, the Cope's gray treefrog can be tough to distinguish from this close cousin, especially during the breeding season when both are usually heavily mottled on the dorsal (top) side. However, the Cope's gray treefrog is often a solid lime green on the back during the non-breeding season.

Species range (darker) in Wisconsin

Cope's gray treefrogs, like the gray treefrogs, have bright yellow inner thigh markings when viewed from the underside or laterally when the legs are extended and have obvious toe pads. They can most easily be distinguished from the gray treefrog during the breeding season by their call, which is short and raspy. Cope's lives primarily along forest or woodlot edges and in oak savanna, favoring brush over trees.