Hylidse 



also. This tree frog furnishes a most interesting case for the 

 study of metachrosis. 



Hyla squirdla lives on either low or tall vegetation. It may 

 be found on the vines and shrubs of the garden or the river and 

 lake margins, or it may climb into the trees of similar localities. 

 It conceals itself under the decaying bark of trees or under dead 

 logs. It is said to hibernate in old logs. 



THE HYLA OF THE PINE WOODS 

 Hyla femoralis Latreille 



IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS 



Colour: Brown or grey above, dull white underneath. A 

 triangular dark spot between the eyes. A large blotch on the 

 anterior back, sending two short branches forward (which may 

 unite with the spot between the eyes) and two larger ones out- 

 wards and backwards. There may be several spots irregular in 

 shape and position on the posterior back. A dark line extends 

 from the end of the muzzle along the canthus rostralis through 

 eye and ear, continuing along the sides of the frog to the thighs 

 The immediate margin of the jaw is usually dark, perhaps relieved 

 by a lighter colour above (never a distinct line or band). Arms 

 and legs may have dark cross-bars. The posterior surface of the 

 femur is brown, spotted with white or yellow. Posterior lines 

 of tibia and tarsus margined with dark, which is in turn edged 

 with light above. 



Measurements: Size small, i. e. length i \ to if inches. Head 

 short, much broader than long. Body short and broad. Leg 

 short; length to heel equals length of body forward to ear or eye. 



Structure: Skin nearly smooth above. Underparts granular, 

 even in the throat-region. Muzzle rounded, slightly projecting 

 beyond jaw. Nostrils terminal. Canthus rostralis angular. Ear 

 small. A fold of skin across the breast. Fingers long. Disks on 

 fingers and toes well developed. Foot provided with a tarsal 

 ridge, small inner sole tubercle, and web of medium size. The 

 fingers show slight webs. 



Range: Hyla femoralis is reported from Florida (Arlington, 

 Micanopy, Green Cove Springs), Georgia (Allapaha, Riceborough, 



