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Description
Squirrel Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Hyla squirella
Common Name: Squirrel Tree Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 1.25 to 1.75 inches (3 to 4.5 cm), with females slightly larger.
Appearance: The Squirrel Tree Frog is a small, smooth-skinned species with remarkable colour variability. Individuals may appear green, yellow-green, brown, or nearly black, sometimes with speckling, faint dorsolateral stripes, or small patches. Some frogs show a pale bar between the eyes. The underside is pale, and the limbs are slender with well-developed toe pads suited for climbing. Eyes are golden with horizontal pupils. Their highly changeable colour makes them one of the more visually variable North American tree frogs.
Distribution: Native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of South Carolina.
Habitat: Found in wetlands, forest edges, swamps, grasslands, suburban yards, and vegetation surrounding ponds and ditches. This species is highly adaptable and tolerates both natural and human-modified environments.
Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal and energetic, Squirrel Tree Frogs are agile climbers and vocal during warm, humid periods. Their call resembles a raspy, squirrel-like sound, which inspired their name. They spend much of their time in shrubs, grasses, and low trees, becoming bold feeders at night.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult or small group thrives in an 18 × 18 × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) enclosure, while larger groups benefit from a 24 × 18 × 24 inches (60 × 45 × 60 cm) setup. Provide ample vertical climbing structure such as branches, vines, and broad leaves, along with dense foliage for security. Use a moisture-retentive substrate such as coco fibre, soil blends, or sphagnum mixes to maintain humidity with periodic drying. Include a shallow water basin for hydration.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 74 to 80°F (23 to 27°C)
Warm area: 82 to 84°F (28 to 29°C)
Night temperature: 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
Humidity: 60 to 90%, with daily misting and strong airflow.
Lighting: Provide low to moderate UVB (2 to 5%) with diffused lighting.
Diet: Offer small insects such as crickets, roaches, black soldier fly larvae, fruit flies (for juveniles), springtails, and occasional waxworms. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins.
Behaviour in Captivity: Squirrel Tree Frogs are hardy, adaptable, and active at night, often exploring foliage and hunting eagerly. They may change colour depending on mood, humidity, and temperature. Handling should be minimal due to their delicate skin.
Special Considerations:
• If handling is unavoidable, use wet, powder-free gloves or a soft, damp net.
• Provide strong ventilation to prevent stagnant humidity.
• Offer abundant foliage and hiding spaces to reduce stress.
• Avoid oversaturation of substrate; allow natural humidity fluctuations.
• Use only dechlorinated water for misting and hydration.
• Ensure enclosure openings are secure—they are fast, agile climbers.
Taxonomy Note
Hyla squirella belongs to the family Hylidae and is closely related to the Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) and Bird Voice Tree Frog (Dryophytes avivoca). It is easily distinguished by its variable coloration and distinctive raspy call.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for Hyla squirella. Natural variation appears in colour, speckling, and stripe visibility, but none represent defined genetic morphs.