A small green frog with distinct purple-brown lateral stripe. Restricted to acidic pine barrens habitats.

Also called: Pine Barrens Treefrog

Native status: Native; vulnerable; range-restricted

§ Quick facts

SizeAdults 2.8–5 cm (1.1–2 in)
Weight2–6 g
LifespanWild 3–4 years
OrderAnura
FamilyHylidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Pine Barrens tree frog is a species of New World tree frog. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss.

Source: Wikipedia — Pine Barrens tree frog Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small bright lime-green tree frog with bold purple-brown lateral stripe from nostril through ear and along flank, bordered above by white line; adhesive toe pads.

Similar species. American Green Tree Frog (no purple-brown stripe). Squirrel Tree Frog (highly variable; usually lacks stripe).

Voice. Loud nasal "honk-honk-honk" chorus.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small insects (flies, beetles, ants), spiders.

Behavior. State endangered in New Jersey and listed by USFWS as a species of conservation concern. Restricted to pine barrens ecosystems in NJ, NC, SC, FL, AL — habitat is acidic, nutrient-poor, fire-dependent. Males call from emergent vegetation at acidic seepage ponds and bogs (pH often below 4.5). Three disjunct populations may represent distinct lineages.

§ Range

Pine barrens of NJ, NC, FL

§ Habitat

Pine barrens, cedar swamps

§ Threats

Pine barren loss, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pine barrens tree frog is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support pine barren conservation in NJ, NC, FL.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS ARMI
  • IUCN Red List 2014