Pine Woods Treefrog (Hyla femoralis)

Pine Woods Treefrog call

Description: A small, slender treefrog reaching up to 3.2 cm (1.25 in) in length. Superficially similar to the Squirrel Treefrog (D. squirellus), but distinguished by a row of small orange, yellow, or whitish spots on the concealed surfaces of the thighs, visible only when the legs are extended. Toes are only slightly webbed compared to other regional treefrogs.

Range and Habitat: Distributed across much of the southeastern United States, from Louisiana east to Florida and north into Virginia. Typically associated with pine flatwoods and adjacent forested habitats. Breeds in ephemeral wetlands, shallow swamps, marshes, ditches, and other fishless aquatic environments.

Habits: Difficult to detect outside the breeding season, as individuals spend the day concealed in trees, under bark, or occasionally burrowed in sandy soil. Primarily nocturnal during warm months. Breeding occurs from late March through early fall, often triggered by heavy rains. Males call in large choruses at wetlands, and females deposit up to 2,000 eggs in clusters of about 100, attached just below the water surface. Eggs hatch in a few days, and tadpoles metamorphose in 1.5–2.5 months. During colder months, adults are presumed to overwinter in shallow burrows or under cover objects.

Call: A rapid, staccato series of notes resembling Morse code, giving rise to the nickname “Morse-code frog.” Heard April–October.

Conservation Status: Locally common throughout its range; not considered threatened.