European tree frog

Hyla arborea

The European tree frog is a small arboreal frog of Palearctic forest and freshwater habitats. It is a solitary nocturnal carnivore.

Key facts

European tree frog (Hyla arborea) is a carnivore animal classified as Amphibian · Anura · Hylidae.
Primary habitats are forest · freshwater, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The European tree frog is a small arboreal frog of Palearctic forest and freshwater habitats.
It occurs along forest edges, shrubland, and wetland margins.
Typical lifespan: 4-15 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It occurs along forest edges, shrubland, and wetland margins. Ponds and temporary pools are used for breeding.

Body length is about 3-5 cm and weight about 4-9 g. Bright green skin, a dark side stripe, and rounded toe pads are typical.

It is nocturnal and solitary. By day it rests on leaves, then hunts from grasses and branches at night.

It is carnivorous, taking flying insects and other small arthropods. A quick tongue strike captures nearby prey.

Males call loudly from watersides. Eggs are laid in water, and tadpoles develop in freshwater.

Its conservation status is LC. It is most readily found where wetlands meet shrubs or woodland.