Common Tree Frog
Below: Map Common Tree Frog
Below: Map Stripeless Tree Frog.
Both species have seen considerable population decline and are considered vulnerable, both are fully protected species.
Both species can sometimes exhibit different colorations as a result of variations in the pigmentation present, or even the complete absence of a particular pigment. As a result it is possible to find individuals that are Black, Grey, Brown or Blue, as well as some that are partially these colours with green
Reproduction: The males arrive first at ponds, lakes, ditches and slow moving rivers in April where each individual creates a territory of around 6 metres diameter which it defends. When night falls the singing starts to attract and guide a female to their position. Eggs are laid in the water in smallish packets, perhaps as many as 50, over a number of days and number between 800 & 1900 eggs per female in total. These float on top of the water and hatch in about two weeks. Metamorphosis takes place after three months when the young leave the water and then remain land dwellers for at least another three months.
ABOVE photos - Common Tree Frog or Rainette Arboricole in France.
Generally nocturnal, but not exclusively, it eats insects which it catches with its projectile tongue, these are often taken on the wing. It will frequently move into deep wells and other subterranean cavities when conditions are particularly hot or dry. Hibernation takes place from October until March, although it will remain active during periods of milder weather.
Photo above Stripeless tree frog on a leaf in France.
Stripeless Tree Frog