Hylidae 



head and back as well as the dark and light parallel bands on the 

 sides of the head. 



This tree frog is hardy. In captivity it hides during the 

 greater part of the time, under moss or leaves. It eats small 

 earthworms and beetle larvae from acorns and chestnuts, with the 

 usual eagerness displayed by members of the group. 



It frequently sings in captivity, usually from under cover of 

 moss or ferns. The call reminds one of that of Hyla pickeringii, 

 in that it consists of a series of short untrilled notes. It differs in 

 pitch and quality from that of Pickering's frog. The pitch is 

 relatively low, about G of the second line; the quality is harsh, 

 often grating. The throat-pouch is yellowish brown when dis- 

 tended; it is much broader than deep, and when fully inflated is 

 at least three times as large as the frog's head. This Hyla very 

 often sits with the vocal pouch partially distended, the small bag 

 palpitating with the breathing movements. Sometimes, when 

 taken in the hand, the frog will swell the throat and give the call 

 which sounds like the harsh sound made by various mechanical 

 toys. When greatly annoyed or when injured, this tree frog, 

 like Hyla versicolor, gives out a milky secretion from the skin of 

 the upper surface of the body. 



Hyla regilla is. an attractive little frog. It is delicately 

 formed and beautifully coloured. Besides the colouring already 

 described, it shows much iridescence. Various parts shine with 

 gold and bronze; the iridescence is marked in the region below 

 the eye and on the shoulder and upper arm. 



THE SPRING PEEPER 



Hyla pickeringii Holbrook 



IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS 



Colour: Varies from light fawn colour to dark brown, and 

 may be yellow, red, or ashy in tone. There is a V-shaped dark 

 mark between the eyes, an oblique cross on the back, and bars on 

 the legs. (Figs. 170 to 172.) The underparts are light in colour, 

 yellowish posteriorly. The throat of the male is brown. (For 

 colouration, see Colour PlateX.) 



Measurements: This is the smallest representative of the genus 

 Hyla in North America. Male, to i inch; female, i to i \ inches. 



138 



