Gray treefrogs typically emerge from their winter burrows sometime in April. As an expert in amphibians, I have had the opportunity to witness this incredible event firsthand. It is truly a remarkable sight to see these tiny creatures emerging from the ground after a long winter’s sleep.
The arrival of spring brings warmth and moisture, which triggers the awakening of gray treefrogs from their dormant state. They begin to stir, slowly making their way to the surface. This process can take several days, as they carefully navigate the soil and debris that has accumulated over the winter months.
Once they reach the surface, the male gray treefrogs waste no time in establishing their territories. They climb up into the trees and shrubs near water sources, where they will spend the rest of the breeding season. It is during this time that their distinctive calls can be heard throughout the wetlands and forests.
The loud and unique calls of the male gray treefrogs serve two purposes. Firstly, they attract females who are ready to mate. Secondly, they serve as a way for males to establish their dominance and defend their chosen territory. It is quite a cacophony of sound as multiple males call out, each with their own distinct call.
Once a female has been attracted to a male’s call, mating takes place. This usually occurs in the month of May, although it can vary depending on the specific location and environmental conditions. The male grasps onto the female’s back and fertilizes her eggs as she lays them.
After mating, the female gray treefrog attaches egg masses to plants near the surface of a water source. These egg masses are gelatinous and contain many individual eggs. The eggs are left to develop and hatch on their own, with no parental care from the adults.
The timing of when the treefrog eggs will hatch and the tadpoles will emerge varies depending on temperature and other environmental factors. Typically, it takes around 7 to 10 days for the eggs to hatch into tadpoles. These tadpoles then undergo a metamorphosis, gradually transforming into tiny treefrogs.
Gray treefrogs come out of their winter burrows in the month of April. They spend the spring and summer months breeding and laying eggs near water sources. It is a fascinating and important part of their life cycle, as they continue the cycle of life for their species.