Pacific Tree Frog

Photo: Heidi Rockney
Photo: Heidi Rockney

Pseudacris regilla

What they look like

  • 2-5 cm
  • Green, grey or reddish brown with small dark splotches along sides
  • Has a dark mask across the eyes from nose to shoulders and a Y shaped mark between eyes

All About Amphibians

Name: Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla)
Order: Frogs (Anura)
Family: Tree Frogs (Hylidae)

Fast Facts

Where they live

  • View a map of where they live
  • Found throughout Washington
  • Can be found far from water in woodlands, forests and meadows
  • Usually lives on the ground (despite name) and hides in underground burrows
  • In breeding season, will converge in water habitats

Breeding

  • Breeding season is November to July in permanent or non-permanent water sources.
  • Males become territorial when breeding and will fight over prime spots in breeding waters.
  • Eggs are attached to sticks or other underwater debris in the shallow low flow areas of ponds or lakes.
  • Tadpoles stay in groups, possibly as a means to avoid predators and take up to 3 months to complete metamorphosis.

Did you know?

  • Can change skin color quickly from light to dark or vice versa to blend with environment.
  • Have glands in skin that secrete a waxy substance that protects their skin from drying out.
  • They are diurnal, being active day and night.

Threats

small brown salamander on bright green vegetation

Amphibians & Reptiles of Washington

Do you know where rattlesnakes live in our state? Or which salamander breathes through its skin? Explore the fascinating diversity of the 26 species of amphibians and 28 reptiles found in Washington state.