Scientific Name: Hyla versicolor.
Common Names: Eastern Grey Treefrog, American Grey Treefrog, .
Distribution: North America.
Size: 40-65mm.
Sexing: The males of this species may be heard calling, this is a slow trill reminiscent of a chipmunk. The males also tend to have darker skin on the throat and larger forelimbs. Females are the larger sex and have a more rounded body shape.
Colouration: The dorsal surface is a light to dark grey with darker almost black markings and banding on the limbs. Occasionally some specimens will turn green but I have only noticed this as a phase of growing up, and one which they will revert back from at adulthood. Yellow/orange flash colours are present on the inside of the limbs.
Requirements: Minimum recommended terrarium size for 2 adult frogs would be 24x12x15" (l,w,h). Suitable substrates include coco-humus, sedge peat, sterile topsoil, bark chip, composted bark and moss. Furnishings such as branches, canes, and cork bark of varying thickness should be arranged along with a number of fake or real sturdy plants to provide a number of climbing, perching, and hiding opportunities. A medium sized water bowl should be provided at all times with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The terrarium will need to be heated to a daytime temperature of 22-26°C with a drop to 18-22°C at night. Humidity levels should be around 60% daytime with a slight raise at night. UVB lighting of 2-5% may be provided for a 12-14hr period during the day.
Maintenance: Water will need changing daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria. Whilst changing the water it is a good idea to spot clean the tank and remove, clean, and replace any soiled items. At least once a month the entire terrarium and it's contents should be striped, cleaned, and sterilized using an amphibian friendly disinfectant.
Feeding: A mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, roaches, flies, moths, locusts, worms, grubs & caterpillars should be offered every 2-3 days for adults or daily for young frogs. A good calcium and vitamin supplement should be lightly dusted over the feeder insects at least once a week.
