Fun Japanese Tree Frog Facts For Kids

Tree frogs are found all over the world, but there is something special about the Japanese tree frog. These little creatures are unique in a lot of ways and are a favorite of many people. If you're curious to learn more about them, read on! In this blog post, we will discuss incredible facts about Japanese tree frogs.

The Japanese tree frog (Scientific name: Hyla japonica) is also known as northeast China tree frog, far eastern tree frog, or Japanese tree toad. The scientific name, Hyla japonica was given to the species in 1859. The Japanese tree frog genus, Dryophytes consists of Ameroasian tree frogs. Japanese tree frogs are found in a variety of habitats including forests, mountains, rivers, and wetlands. They prefer areas that have plenty of trees to climb and where the water is shallow so they can easily hop in and out to hunt prey.

What type of animal is the Japanese tree frog?

The Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica) is arboreal and nocturnal. It can jump up high and cling to wet surfaces and dive into water without making a splash. It has flesh-eating feeding habits. This amphibian species was previously considered a European tree frog (Hyla arborea) subspecies. Animals from Mongolia, eastern Russia, Korea, and northern China have been considered as a different species called H. ussuriensis, making the Japanese tree frog species endemic to Japan.

What class of animal does a Japanese tree frog belong to?

Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica) belongs to the class Amphibians of animals.

How many Japanese tree frogs are there in the world?

The population of Japanese tree frogs is over 100 million in Japan, but this number may not be accurate due to the difficulty of counting them.

Where does a Japanese tree frog live?

The populations of Japanese tree frogs are spread from Yakushima to Hokkaido in Japan, across Korea, through the Ussuri River to northeastern China, across norther Mongolia, and south regions of the Russian to far East.

What is a Japanese tree frog’s habitat?

The natural habitat range of these amphibians is a varying environment including forest, mountain, river, and wetland regions. They prefer areas that have plenty of trees to climb and where the water is shallow so they can easily hop in and out to hunt prey. The breeding season range includes lakes and ponds.

Who do Japanese tree frogs live with?

These frogs typically live alone or in small groups, but they have been known to form temporary aggregations during the breeding season.

How long does a Japanese tree frog live?

The Japanese tree frog lifespan is unknown, however, these amphibians can live for several years. The estimated life expectancy, however, is 6-11 years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season occurs later compared to other syntopic amphibians in warm water around May through August. Males enter the reproductive territory before females do. Males call for females and their calls are similar to the calls of Hyla arborea. Females get attracted to males with faster and longer calls. Frogs with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis will have faster and longer calls and be selected for early reproductive success. They then spawn at the water surface between May and July. Per breeding season, after reproduction, these female amphibians produce small clumps with 7-100 eggs or 340-1,500 single eggs. Females deposit eggs night and day.

The Japanese tree frog life cycle starts when eggs hatch after two to three days. Larvae are brown in color. The body of the tadpoles is also brown. They feed on algae and a living organism's dead body. Metamorphosis takes place either in summer or autumn and they move into neighboring forests. These amphibians reach sexual maturity around third or fourth year of their life.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of this amphibian of Japan is Least Concern. The distribution of the Japanese tree frog population is currently not disturbed. Individual populations may be at risk due to habitat loss or degradation. The main threats to the Japanese tree frog include habitat loss or degradation due to development, forestry practices, and other human activities; as well as climate change.

What do Japanese tree frogs look like?

Japanese tree frogs are identical to common tree frogs, however, the only difference is the shorter hind legs (hind leg stretched along their body), absence of inguinal loop, and presence of a dark spot on the upper lip. They have granular ventral skin and smooth dorsal skin. They have round adhesive discs on the tips of their toes and fingers with poorly developed forelimb webbing. Males have yellow nuptial pads.

Although usually green, the coloration of these amphibians is between bright yellow-olive and lime green. The color changes depending on temperature and lighting. This structure of color change is the expansion and contraction of pigment cells, which is again dependent on temperature, light, humidity, and the environment. Their eyes are big for their body size and protrude outwards like those of owls – this gives them excellent vision even at night time when predators might otherwise catch them unaware.

How cute are they?

Some consider these amphibians of Japan as cute creatures, while many others consider them not that cute.

How do they communicate?

The notes of the mating call last 0.1-0.2 seconds every 0.2-0.5 seconds. The basic frequency of the call is 1.7 kHz and clear harmonics. These calls occur in the day as well as at night. Research found that males with the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a natural infection, had longer and more rapid calls. Males emit a high-pitched chirping noise to attract females and warn other males away from their territory.

How big is a Japanese tree frog?

Male and female Japanese tree frogs vary in body size. The male Japanese tree frog size is 1-1.7 in (2.6-4.5 cm), while the female is 1-1.6 in (2.6-4.1 cm). The Japanese tree frog height range is not available.

How fast can a Japanese tree frog move?

The speed of these creatures in forests or captivity is unknown.

How much does a Japanese tree frog weigh?

The Japanese tree frog weight range is not available.

What are the male and female names of the species?

The names for Japanese tree frog males and females are unknown.

What would you call a baby Japanese tree frog?

A baby Japanese tree frog is called a tadpole.

What do they eat?

Japanese tree frogs mainly prey on a number of insects such as mosquitoes, flies, beetles, small moths, flies, ants, and caterpillars. They will also prey on other small invertebrates such as earthworms and spiders. Interestingly enough, tadpoles of its own species are food to the Japanese Tree Frog on occasion. Food for captive specimens is fruit or vegetables that are offered to them in their enclosures.

Are they poisonous?

No, although poisonous frogs do exist, this amphibian of Japan is not one of them. They do not have any venomous glands or fangs like some other species of frogs such as poison dart frogs. You can safely hold them without fear that they might bite you because their mouths are too small for anything except eating insects.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, Japanese tree frogs can be great pets for those who are interested in keeping amphibians, but they require specific care and handling requirements that must be met to ensure their long-term health and well-being. These frogs should never be released into the wild if taken from their natural environment. For more information on how to care for a Japanese tree frog, please consult with an experienced herpetologist or veterinarian. You will find Japanese tree frog for sale online or in your local pet stores.

Did you know...

Japanese tree frog predators are badgers, dogs, raccoons, foxes, weasels, and snakes.

May through July is a long breeding season for a frog.

These frogs are also susceptible to diseases such as chytridiomycosis, which can be deadly.

These frogs get their name from the fact that they look a lot like small trees when you see them perched on a leaf or branch.

What's unique about the Japanese tree frog?

These amphibians hibernate between September-October and April-May (or June) on land, along with their species under leaf litter, stones, rodent burrows, and tree holes. In Japan, it is said that these frogs cry when it rains. Thus, they are famous among Japanese people. They also have many names. For example, Kyusyu's 'gyaku-gyaku-donku'. Japanese tree frogs also have long legs that allow these amphibians, both, jumping ability as well as traction on slippery surfaces such as wet leaves or mossy rocks. The Japanese tree frog is one of many species known for its chirping sounds made by males during mating season; these calls can be heard from a distance and are used to attract mates.

Are Japanese tree frogs endangered?

These amphibians of Japan are currently not endangered.