Mediterranean Tree Frog

Despite its name, the Mediterranean tree frog seems to be just as comfortable on the ground as it is in the trees. When in the trees, this slender green frog tends to walk and climb rather than hop. It has sticky pads on the tips of its toes, which it uses to keep a firm grip on wet branches and leaves. The tree frog has another special climbing adaptation: between the last two bones of each toe is a special piece of cartilage, or soft bone. This cartilage allows the frog’s toe to turn all the way around while its adhesive toe pad stays stuck firmly in place.

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During the day the Mediterranean tree frog hides from its predators in bushes and shrubs. It can remain perfectly still for many hours. But as soon as the sun sets, the frog transforms into a nimble and lively hunter. It often jumps out of the trees and onto the damp ground, where it searches for fat centipedes. These frogs are often abundant but difficult to catch. They can hop very quickly through the grass.

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Mediterranean tree frogs always live near swamps, ponds, or slow-moving streams. In spring the adult frogs gather in the water to mate. The males have large vocal sacs that they use to call for their mates. When a male and female meet, he grasps her tightly just behind her front legs. She then releases a mass of eggs into the water, where the male fertilizes them. Tadpoles hatch from the eggs in about two weeks.

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