Tree frog. Common tree frog

Tree frog or tree frog (arboreal) is a frog that belongs to the phylum Chordata, class Amphibians (amphibians), order Tailless, family tree frog (lat. Hylidae).

The family received its Latin name due to its unusual colorful appearance. The first researchers compared these unusual animals with beautiful tree nymphs, which is reflected in its verbal definition. Russian concept“Frog” appeared, apparently, because of the characteristic loud voice of the amphibian.

Tree frog (tree frog) – description, structure, characteristics.

Due to the fact that the tree frog family includes a huge number of species, appearance These amphibians are very diverse. Some tree frogs are characterized by a flattened body structure with legs similar to knotty twigs, while other tree frogs have external resemblance with small frogs, and still others have a flabby torso, as if slightly blurred. However characteristic feature, inherent in almost all species, is the presence of peculiar suction disks on the tips of the fingers, covered with a thin layer of mucus.

Thanks to the vacuum that forms under the surface of the disks as a result of the displacement of air from under them, the tailless tree frog easily moves not only along the trunks, branches and leaves of plants, but also along any smooth surface, including vertical ones. Large woodies can help themselves with the moist skin of their abdomen or throat when moving along steep planes. However, there are species of tree frogs with poorly developed suction ability. It is compensated by the special structure of the fingers on the hind and forelimbs, reminiscent of a human hand with an extended thumb. Such frogs slowly climb trees, one at a time grabbing branches.

The color of tree frogs depends on the species and can be very diverse. Most of them are characterized by camouflage coloring in green or brownish tones with various stains, which helps the frog to easily hide among twigs and leaves. However, there are species of tree frogs that are brightly colored with contrasting stripes or spots.

Tree frog eyes large size and protrude slightly forward, thanks to this, binocular coverage of the surrounding environment is achieved, allowing them to successfully hunt and jump from branch to branch. Most amphibians are characterized by horizontal pupils, although there are species in which they are located vertically.

Sexual dimorphism in woodworts is manifested in differences in the sizes of male and female individuals, which are much larger than males, and sometimes in color. In addition, the male tree frog has a special organ called a throat sac, which, when inflated, makes sounds.

Where does the tree frog (tree frog) live?

The distribution range of tree frogs is fascinating temperate zone Europe, including Poland, the Netherlands, Norway and Lithuania, Belarus and Romania, the central part of Russia and Moldova, as well as Ukraine. Numerous species of tree frogs live in North and South America, China and Korea, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan and Egypt, Turkey, Japan, Primorye and Australia. The habitat of these amphibians is tropical and subtropical rainforests, deciduous and mixed plantations, as well as the coasts of reservoirs or slow rivers, wetlands and overgrown ravines.

What do tree frogs (frogs) eat?

The food of tree frogs is varied: tree frogs feed on various, and, as well as and. Amphibians usually go hunting at night. They wait in ambush for prey and catch it using the properties of their vision and a long sticky tongue.

Types of tree frogs (tree frogs) - photos and names.

The large tree frog family is divided into 3 subfamilies, which include more than 900 species. The most famous and interesting of them:

Subfamily Hylinae:

widespread on the coasts of small bodies of water or slow-moving rivers, in flooded ditches and wetlands of the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. The size of an adult male tree frog does not exceed 1.9 cm, and females - 3.8 cm. The skin of the back and sides, covered with warts, is colored gray-brown with yellowish-green hues and dark spots indeterminate form. The tree frog's abdomen is decorated with bright green or brown stripes, and on its elongated muzzle a dark triangle-shaped spot located between the eyes is clearly visible. The hind limbs of the amphibian are relatively short with long toes connected by a swimming membrane. The sounds of the male tree frog during the breeding season resemble the sound of small stones knocking against each other. These amphibians lead an active daily lifestyle. In case of danger, they can jump up to 0.9 m in height.

Cricket tree frog (lat.Acris gryllus) lives in North America near small reservoirs, wet ravines overgrown with dense grassy vegetation, as well as swampy streams and river sources. The skin of the tree frog, devoid of warts, is colored brown or gray-brown with dark, almost black spots, which are bordered by a light green rim. In females, a white spot on the throat is clearly visible. A distinctive feature of this type of tree frog is the ability to change color, adapting to the environment. The toes of the frog's long hind limbs are connected to each other by a swimming membrane. The body length of adult females can reach 33 mm, and males - 29 mm. The lifespan of a cricket tree frog in natural conditions rarely exceeds 1 year. Woodworts lead a solitary lifestyle, gathering in large aggregations only during the breeding season. Due to the similarity of the frog's voice with the roulades of crickets, the name “cricket tree frog” appeared.

lives in humid tropical forests South America, part of the Amazon ecological system. These frogs can be found in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Suriname, Peru, Guiana, as well as Ecuador and Bolivia. The size of female individuals of this species of frogs can be 5 cm, but males have more modest dimensions. The frog's head with large bulging eyes is slightly expanded compared to its elongated, narrow body. The long toes on the hind and forelimbs end in well-developed suckers. The color of the skin on the back and sides of the piebald tree frog is quite varied and can range from greenish-brown to red with a brown tint. On the main tone, patterns of white spots or stripes are clearly visible, creating characteristic mesh patterns. The belly of piebald tree frogs is bright red-orange. Solitary individuals spend the main part of their lives in trees, descending from them only during the breeding season. Piebald tree frogs are most active during twilight and night hours.

lives in the forests and forest-steppes of Poland, the Netherlands, Belarus, Norway, Lithuania and Ukraine, the USA, Korea, Turkey and Japan, the states of northwestern Africa, China and Primorye. The size of adult female frogs reaches 53 mm, males are slightly smaller. The grass-green, brown, bluish or dark gray coloration of the tree frog's back and sides can easily change in accordance with the basic color of the surrounding environment or due to the physiological state of the animal. The belly of the common tree frog is colored white or yellowish. The coloration of the back and abdomen is clearly separated by a dark stripe running along the sides of the body and head. Tree frogs usually spend daytime hours among the foliage of bushes or trees, and at twilight and at night they hunt insects. IN natural conditions these frogs live no more than 12 years.

widespread in southern North America. Prefers tree or shrub thickets along the coast of natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as wet ravines or wetlands. The frog's body is slender, with a triangular head. Its length in adult females can reach 60 mm. The frog's eyes are medium-sized, slightly convex, golden brown in color, with vertical pupils. The smooth skin of the back is colored in a grass-like green and are separated from the beige belly by a thin white stripe. At the ends of the fingers of the frog's hind and forelimbs there are suction cups, with the help of which the tree frog easily moves not only along branches and leaves, but also along the surface of the ground. The amphibian leads a solitary lifestyle, gathering in large communities only during mating. It is active at night. The lifespan of a frog in natural conditions can reach 6 years.

is a typical inhabitant of the forest thickets of North America. The length of the frog's baggy body can reach 7 cm in females and 5 cm in males. The yellowish belly contrasts with the back, colored green, on which a pattern formed by dark green spots is clearly visible. The finger suckers are quite large. The tree frog gets its name from the barking sounds that male frogs make during mating season. Barking tree frogs spend most of their lives among the branches, high above the ground, but there are individuals that prefer to live near bodies of water. Amphibians are active at night, and during the day they sleep, hiding in a hollow tree or on the ground under fallen bark. Barking tree frogs form short-term pairs only for procreation. Under natural conditions, frogs live 7 years.

lives in mixed or deciduous forests of Mexico, Canada or the USA. Populations of these amphibians are observed near artificial or natural reservoirs and deep damp ravines. The size of frogs does not exceed 51 mm. The color of the wrinkled skin of the back can be either gray with a beige tint or green, and the belly can be white. A pattern in the form of an oblique cross of black stripes, which border barely noticeable spots of an indeterminate shape, clearly appears on the tree frog’s back. It is noteworthy that depending on the temperature environment, humidity and time of year, the color of the changeable tree frog can vary greatly. The average life expectancy of variable tree frogs does not exceed 6 years.

Cuban tree frog (lat.Osteopilus septentrionalis) - This is the largest tree frog in the world. It lives in bushes and woody thickets near water bodies. The distribution area includes the Bahamas and Cayman Islands, Cuba and the southern states of the United States. The average size of these frogs ranges from 11.5 to 12.5 cm, but some individuals can reach 15 cm in size, making them the largest tree frogs in the family. The color of the skin of the back, covered with tubercles, is slightly different in males and females. Thus, female tree frogs are characterized by beige or green tones, and males are characterized by brown tones. The tree frog's legs have transverse stripes of a lighter or darker color. Suckers on the fingers are well developed. The Cuban tree frog hunts at night, sleeping during the day among the bushes.

Subfamily Australian tree frogs or litoria (lat. Pelodryadinae):

Coral-fingered lithorium or Australian white tree frog (lat.Litoria caerulea) lives in subtropical forests Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. The size of adult females reaches 130 mm, and males rarely exceed 70 mm. The head of the Australian tree frog is short and wide, with large bulging eyes with a horizontal pupil. The frog's skin is colored in various shades of green, but can be chestnut or turquoise, with white or golden spots. The belly is colored pinkish or white. The inside of a tree frog's legs may be reddish-brown in color. In addition to suction cups, amphibians have small membranes on their toes. The Australian white tree frog is characterized by a nocturnal lifestyle. The lifespan of coral-toed lithoria in natural conditions can reach 20 years.

SubfamilyPhyllomedusinae:

lives on the upper tiers of lowland and foothill humid tropical forests Central and South America. The size of adult males rarely reaches 5.4-5.6 cm, and females do not exceed 7.5 cm. The surface of the skin is smooth. The frog's back is green and its belly is cream or white. The sides and bases of the limbs are blue, with a distinct yellow pattern. The toes of the limbs, adapted for climbing trees, are painted bright orange and have suction pads. Characteristic feature The red-eyed tree frog has red eyes with a vertical pupil. Despite their bright colors, these tree frogs are not poisonous. They are most active at night. The maximum lifespan of the red-eyed tree frog under natural conditions does not exceed 5 years.

The world's largest and smallest tree frog (tree frog).

The smallest “forest nymphs” are considered to be Litoria microbelos with a body length of up to 16 mm and the tree frog Hyla emrichi (Dendropsophus minutus), with a body size of only about 17 mm. It is noteworthy that this baby is capable of jumping up to 0.75 m in length, which is almost 50 times the length of its body.

The largest tree frog in the world is the Cuban tree frog (lat. Osteopilus septentrionalis), growing up to 150 mm.

In addition to the above types of tree frogs, there are a huge number of varieties of tree frogs, the color of which is simply amazing:

Chak phyllomedusa Phyllomedusa sauvagii

Frogs that live in trees are called tree frogs, or tree frogs. On the one hand, they are close to true frogs, leading a terrestrial lifestyle. On the other hand, they are closely related to poison dart frogs - extremely poisonous amphibians. The harmless tree frogs themselves stand out in separate family, which includes 901 species. It should be noted that the classification of these amphibians is complicated by confusion in the names. An exact division into frogs, tree frogs and dart frogs exists only in Russian scientific literature, while in European languages there is the concept of frog (common) and tree frogs (they mean tree frogs and dart frogs).

Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas).

Due to this specific way of life, small-sized animals predominate among tree frogs. The smallest of them, miniature litoria, reaches a length of only 1.6 cm, the largest long-legged litoria grows up to 13.5 cm. The body shape of tree frogs can also be different. Some species have a massive, seemingly bloated body, others look like neat tiny frogs, others have a flattened body, and legs look like broken sticks. However, all tree frogs are united common feature- the ends of the fingers are flattened and similar in shape to small discs. These fingers act like suction cups and hold the tree frog on the smooth surface of the leaves. The suction force of the discs is so great that tree frogs, without the slightest effort, can stand not only on horizontal and inclined surfaces, but even on vertical ones (for example, on the glass of a terrarium) or upside down. In the largest species, in addition to the fingers, the wet surface of the abdomen and throat participates in suction.

Australian white tree frog (Litoria caerulea).

The colors of tree frogs are very diverse. Among them there are inconspicuous individuals, decorated with brownish stains imitating bark or fallen leaves; There are species with contrastingly colored abdomen and legs (red, blue, orange, striped).

The beautiful narrow-mouthed tree frog (Microhyla pulchra) fully lives up to its name: its body is covered with the finest stains, similar to a cut tree or noble marble.

But for the most part, tree frogs are characterized by a green color, which perfectly camouflages them among the branches and lush foliage. Interestingly, the same individual can noticeably change color depending on the air temperature and mood. For example, the pallor of a common tree frog indicates that it is cold, and darkening is a sign that it is angry. Sexual dimorphism in these amphibians is noticeable: males are 1.5-2 times smaller than females, and in some species they are also colored differently.

Triangular tree frog (Hyla leucophyllata).

Since tree frogs are closely associated with the upper layers of the forest, they live mainly in the tropics, where plants develop all year round. The greatest species diversity is achieved in wet forests South and Central America, as well as Australia. There are few of them in Africa and North America, and only one species lives in Asia and Europe. The northernmost representatives are the common tree frog (Western Europe, Belarus, Western Ukraine, European part of Russia), Far Eastern (Korea, Japan, Northern China, Primorye), royal (western USA) and whistling (Canada, eastern USA) - hibernate for the winter. Other species are active all year round.

By time daily activity tree frogs are divided into nocturnal and daytime species, and both have a rare feature for amphibians - binocular vision. The eyes of tree frogs are large and directed slightly forward, which is why the same area falls simultaneously into the field of vision of the right and left eyes. This allows them to accurately determine the distance to prey or a nearby branch, thanks to which they make error-free jumps.

The third eyelid of the red-eyed tree frog looks like an openwork mesh, which allows it to see around even with half-closed eyes.

Tree frogs have mastered the art of balancing. They can not only stick to flat surfaces, but also sit on thin branches, wrapping their fingers around them, like birds. If necessary, they step from leaf to leaf, alternately moving their limbs. In case of danger or in pursuit of prey, they can jump up to 75 cm. To climb vertically, tree frogs need to alternately “turn on” and “turn off” the adhesiveness of their fingers. This function is regulated by the production of mucus and the force of pressing the finger against the sheet. The exception is Phyllomedusa. In these tree frogs, the discs are very poorly developed, but one toe on the foot is opposed to the rest (like in humans). This grasping type of limb makes these amphibians look like chameleons, and their gait is the same: the phyllomedusa moves very slowly and carefully, thinking for a long time before grabbing the next branch. But its grip strength is so enormous that a person is able to tear this tree frog off the branch only by breaking its paw.

The usual way of moving along branches for the red-eyed tree frog is to walk on raised paws.

Tree frogs have a very difficult relationship with water. The most primitive species (for example, the common tree frog) swim well and, in general, spend a lot of time on the ground like real frogs. Highly specialized tropical species often visit water bodies only during the breeding season, and phyllojellyfish cannot swim at all and avoid open water bodies in every possible way!

Orange-sided phyllomedusa (Phyllomedusa tomopterna).

The voices of these amphibians are loud, but they sound differently. The song of the common tree frog is similar to a duck's "cre-cre-cre", the pearl tree's song is like a melodic bird's trill, the giant tree frog's song is like a dog's barking (in case of danger, a meow), the slender tree frog's song is like the slap of an oar on the water, red - for the creaking of a knife on glass, and the blacksmith tree frog is named so for its voice, reminiscent of hitting metal with a hammer.

The diet of tree frogs consists of 98% invertebrates, of which 15-20% are flying insects. They hunt butterflies, ants, termites, cockroaches, crickets, psyllids and leaf beetles. Less commonly, they eat caterpillars, snails, geckos and tiny frogs.

They reproduce 1-2 times a year. Like all amphibians, the development of embryos in tree frogs can only occur in aquatic environment. But how to ensure it in the tree crowns? This problem different types decided in our own way. Tree frogs middle zone, where the humidity in the forest is not very high, they do not hesitate to take a walk to the nearest pond or river on this occasion. Here they spawn; after the tadpole stage, young tree frogs leave the reservoirs.

Common tree frog tadpole ( Hyla arborea).

Tropical species take advantage of the gifts of nature, laying eggs in the axils of leaves and large flowers, where rain moisture always accumulates. It is in these micro-reservoirs that the juveniles develop. A Brazilian tree frog has learned to create such pools for its young. To do this, she finds a hollow and coats it with resinous secretions, which provide ideal water insulation. After this, all that remains is to wait for the first rainfall, which will fill the hollow with water and turn it into a cradle for eggs. Some tree frogs lay their eggs directly on the surface of the leaves, where they remain all the time. The transparent sticky mucus that retains water helps them not dry out. This mucus is so effective that banana frog eggs, taken from it and placed in clean water, dies.

Mating and clutch formation in red-eyed tree frogs.

The male toad frog takes care of its offspring in a very unusual way. When the female responds to his calling cry, he fertilizes her eggs and... continues to flirt. Soon another chosen one appears, which also lays eggs in the same place. But the male no longer fertilizes the second portion of eggs. These eggs are destined to serve as food for the tadpoles of the first female.

Bursa of the common marsupial tree frog (Gastrotheca marsupiata).

But marsupial tree frogs surpassed everyone in parental care. In females of this species, folds of skin on the back form a pouch. During mating, the female's cloaca turns inside out and the laid eggs, fertilized by the male on the move, go straight into the pouch. Gestation continues until the juveniles become similar to adults.

Horned marsupial tree frog (Gastrotheca cornuta) with its offspring.

Frogs have many enemies. They are hunted by snakes large lizards, monitor lizards, various birds and even insects, such as large mantises. But tree frogs have learned to withstand numerous dangers. Firstly, they are perfectly camouflaged by their attire - inconspicuous and inconspicuous (like bark and soil), or grassy green (like leaves), or dissected and contrasting (as if a flower was lost among the greenery). The effect of the outfit enhances immobility. In extreme cases, the tree frog can jump. But don’t think that flight is the only way to protect yourself. In case of danger, some tree frogs turn over with their belly up and pretend to be dead. Finally, there are those whose skin secretes a caustic liquid when attacked. Among the latter species is the toad frog, which warns of its inedibility by its unusual color - gray-milky-blue. This tree frog even has a bright turquoise inside of its mouth.

Toad frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix).

The study of tree frogs continues to this day. Every year new species are found in the tropics. Unfortunately, many of them have a limited range and immediately after discovery are on the verge of extinction. Due to their bright colors, unusual voices and interesting behavior, tree frogs are often kept in terrariums. These amphibians are also very durable: in captivity they live up to 15-20 years.

3.1 Least Concern:

Common tree frog , or arboreal(lat. Hyla arborea) - a frog from the genus of tree frogs up to 5 cm long.

Appearance

Tree frogs are small frogs with maximum length body 53 mm (in Europe up to 60 mm). The color is very variable and can change literally before our eyes, depending on the color of the substrate and the physiological state. The top is grassy green to dark grey, bluish or brown. Along the sides of the head and body there is a dark stripe with a white border on top, which forms a loop near the groin area. The bottom is white or yellowish. Males have a dark throat.

Area

Found throughout most of Central and Western Europe(with the exception of southern Spain and southern France), in the north the borders reach Great Britain (introduced here), the northwestern part of the Netherlands, and Norway. In the east, the border runs through northwestern Latvia, Belarus, and the regions of Russia bordering eastern Ukraine (Belgorod region). In Ukraine, it is distributed throughout almost the entire territory, but the largest numbers are in Polesie and forest-steppes. Distributed in forest areas of Crimea. IN steppe zone found on river banks.

Reproduction

In the spring, tree frogs awaken in late March - early April, in Moldova in the first ten days of April, in the Carpathians and Crimea in April-May, in the Caucasus in early March, at an air temperature of 8-12 ° C. Sometimes they have to overcome up to 750 m to get into a pond. The males that arrive first are concentrated along the edge of the reservoir. For reproduction, various well-heated reservoirs with standing water and vegetation are used. These can be small bodies of water in clearings or forest edges, puddles, swamps, reclamation ditches, shallow coastal parts of lakes. Tree frogs do not lay eggs in rivers and other flowing bodies of water. Intense nocturnal concerts staged by males can continue until the end of May.

Spawning occurs at a water temperature of 13°C. The female lays about 690-1870 eggs in several portions in the form of small lumps (in Moldova there are 15-21 lumps of 21-56 eggs each). The clutches lie at the bottom of the reservoir or are attached to plants. The spawning period is extended and lasts from the beginning of April to the end of July, in the Caucasus from the end of March to May. The diameter of the egg with shell is 3-4.5 mm, the egg is 1.0-1.6 mm. Embryonic development lasts about 8-14 days. The size of the larvae after hatching is 8-9 mm. Larval development lasts 45-90 days. Before metamorphosis, tadpoles reach a length of 46-49 mm. Cases of overwintering larvae have been recorded in the Carpathians. Young of the year, 10-17 mm or more in length, come to land during the daytime in July - early September. Unlike adults, they are very active during the day and stay mainly on the grass near water bodies.

Photo

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Young tree frog

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Tree frog on glass

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Hyla01 ST 10.jpg

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Singing male

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Laying of frog eggs

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Hatching tadpoles

Hyla arborea (Marek Szczepanek).jpg

Rainette-AP (12).jpg

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Notes

Literature

Encyclopedia of Ukrainian Studies (10 volumes) / Chief editor Volodymyr Kubiyovych. - Paris, New York: Young Life, 1954-1989.
Knipovich N. M.// Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.

An excerpt characterizing the Common Tree Frog

- Which one?
- Drubetsky?
- No, recently...
- What do you like about him?
- Yes, he is a nice young man... Why are you asking me this? - said Princess Marya, continuing to think about her morning conversation with her father.
“Because I made an observation, a young man usually comes from St. Petersburg to Moscow on vacation only for the purpose of marrying a rich bride.
– You made this observation! - said Princess Marya.
“Yes,” Pierre continued with a smile, “and this young man now behaves in such a way that where there are rich brides, there he is.” It’s like I’m reading it from a book. He is now undecided who to attack: you or mademoiselle Julie Karagin. Il est tres assidu aupres d'elle. [He is very attentive to her.]
– Does he go to them?
- Yes, very often. And do you know a new style of grooming? - Pierre said with a cheerful smile, apparently in that cheerful spirit of good-natured ridicule, for which he so often reproached himself in his diary.
“No,” said Princess Marya.
- Now, in order to please Moscow girls - il faut etre melancolique. Et il est tres melancolique aupres de m lle Karagin, [one must be melancholic. And he is very melancholy with m elle Karagin,” said Pierre.
- Vraiment? [Really?] - said Princess Marya, looking into Pierre’s kind face and never ceasing to think about her grief. “It would be easier for me,” she thought, if I decided to trust someone with everything I feel. And I would like to tell Pierre everything. He is so kind and noble. It would make me feel better. He would give me advice!”
– Would you marry him? asked Pierre.
“Oh, my God, Count, there are moments when I would marry anyone,” Princess Marya suddenly said to herself, with tears in her voice. “Oh, how hard it can be to love a loved one and feel that... nothing (she continued in a trembling voice) you can’t do for him except grief, when you know that you can’t change it.” Then one thing is to leave, but where should I go?...
- What are you, what’s wrong with you, princess?
But the princess, without finishing, began to cry.
– I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. Don't listen to me, forget what I told you.
All Pierre's gaiety disappeared. He anxiously questioned the princess, asked her to express everything, to confide in him her grief; but she only repeated that she asked him to forget what she said, that she did not remember what she said, and that she had no grief other than the one he knew - the grief that Prince Andrei’s marriage threatens to quarrel with her father son.
– Have you heard about the Rostovs? – she asked to change the conversation. - I was told that they would be here soon. I also wait for Andre every day. I would like them to see each other here.
– How does he look at this matter now? - Pierre asked, by which he meant the old prince. Princess Marya shook her head.
- But what to do? There are only a few months left until the year is over. And this cannot be. I would only like to spare my brother the first minutes. I wish they would come sooner. I hope to get along with her. “You have known them for a long time,” said Princess Marya, “tell me, hand on heart, the whole true truth, what kind of girl is this and how do you find her?” But the whole truth; because, you understand, Andrei is risking so much by doing this against his father’s will that I would like to know...
A vague instinct told Pierre that these reservations and repeated requests to tell the whole truth expressed Princess Marya’s ill will towards her future daughter-in-law, that she wanted Pierre not to approve of Prince Andrei’s choice; but Pierre said what he felt rather than thought.
“I don’t know how to answer your question,” he said, blushing, without knowing why. “I absolutely don’t know what kind of girl this is; I can't analyze it at all. She's charming. Why, I don’t know: that’s all that can be said about her. “Princess Marya sighed and the expression on her face said: “Yes, I expected and was afraid of this.”
– Is she smart? - asked Princess Marya. Pierre thought about it.
“I think not,” he said, “but yes.” She doesn't deserve to be smart... No, she's charming, and nothing more. – Princess Marya again shook her head disapprovingly.

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So far, amphibians living in water and on land have been described, but many of them decided to climb higher! Representatives tree frog family (Hylidae) especially popular among terrarium enthusiasts. They spend most of their lives in trees and bushes, and only sometimes go down. Some tropical species even manage without these “visits.”

They “take baths” and lay eggs in small ponds formed in the axils or rosettes of leaves and tree hollows. Long fingers with suction cups at the end allow them to climb not only trunks and branches, but also smooth leaves, and in captivity, glass, easily holding on to vertical surfaces. In addition, tree frogs are able to make huge jumps, instantly “sticking”, for example, to the opposite wall of the room.

Many species are brightly colored, as reflected in their names: "orange-sided", "golden", "variegated", etc., although most have a green or brownish protective coloration with spots and stripes. Three domestic species are common in Russia: common (Hula arborea), Asia Minor (N. savignyi) And Far Eastern (H.japonica) tree frog. These are small (3-4 cm) frogs that lead an arboreal lifestyle. All of them in one way or another belong to protected species.

As an example, consider the common tree frog, which lives in the south of the European part of Russia, in Krasnodar region and in the Caucasus. But in some years with particularly hot summers, tree frogs were found in the south of the Moscow region. Their green color makes them completely invisible against the background of green leaves. Their existence is revealed only by the sharp cries of the males. Their singing can be heard night and day, especially before rain. Adult tree frogs usually live in trees far from water, while young ones often stay on aquatic vegetation, sitting directly above the water (on reeds, cattails, reeds, sedges).

These frogs are active both day and night, but in the darkEvery day they feel bolder: they climb down from the trees and catch insects in the grass. They overwinter by burrowing into the litter or hiding in burrows, hollows, and under stones. Before wintering, the color of tree frogs changes to darker. They hunt various insects, but give preference to winged ones - flies or butterflies. Large prey, like other frogs, is stuffed into the mouth using the front legs. For breeding, they choose reservoirs whose banks are bordered by reeds, bushes and trees. Females lay eggs in the spring, in large clumps, in several stages. One female can lay up to a thousand eggs. Very small tadpoles, no more than 0.5 cm, hatch after 10 days. Their development lasts for 3 months; the size of the tadpole before metamorphosis is up to 5 cm. Frogs become sexually mature in the 3rd-4th year of life.

More attractive for home keeping are tropical tree frogs, whose breeding in captivity is well established, and therefore some species are sold in pet stores. Most often these are Australian species: blue, or coral-toed, (Litoria caerulea) And long-legged (L. infrafrenata) litoria. These are large (up to 14 cm) amphibians of green color, sometimes with a bluish tint. Calm, even phlegmatic, they live well at home and are capable of simple training, which is why they often become pets. They require a spacious, high terrarium. A mixture of leaf soil, peat and expanded clay is used as a pound, in which plants with dense leathery leaves can be planted. It is necessary to place a wide and deep pond for swimming at the bottom. When decorating a terrarium, you can use driftwood and tree branches that will protect the plant stems from breakage. The temperature is slightly above room temperature: 20-32 °C. Humidity is about 80%. Food: crickets, cockroaches and other insects of suitable size. Tree frogs very readily eat flies and mosquitoes. They quickly get used to taking food from their fingers or tweezers. Tree frogs can be trained to croak when the lights are turned on. In order for the frogs to start making sounds, they use a box of matches - just shake it next to the terrarium, and the males begin to “respond”. If you do this every day when you turn on the light (lamps for illuminating the terrarium), then the tree frogs will produce conditioned reflex- croak when the owner approaches the terrarium and turns on the lamp. IN mating season Male tree frogs scream loudly on their own initiative, warning a possible rival that the given territory is already occupied, and attracting females with their cries.

Externally, the representatives look like tree frogs family of copepod frogs, or copepod, (Rhacophoridae), common in Southeast Asia And tropical Africa. Some Asian species They are famous for their ability to perform gliding flight with the help of greatly enlarged membranes between the toes of their hind legs. Most often it goes to amateurs house copepod (Polypedates leucomystax), breeding in captivity. These are medium-sized amphibians: the body length of males is 4-5 cm, females are twice as large. The color is brown with darker spots and stripes. They are undemanding to living conditions. The main thing that attracts the attention of amateurs to them is their method of reproduction. The eggs are laid in a foam nest built by the parents. It is located above the water, between the leaves of low-hanging plants. In a terrarium, copepods build a nest on the side walls or simply on the ground. After 2-5 weeks, the foam liquefies and the hatched tadpoles roll into the water. Small copepods are fed in the same way as tree frogs. And reproduction in captivity is stimulated with the help of hormonal injections, which is not available to beginners.

Of course, representatives of the poison dart frog family (Dendrobatidae). Incredibly bright color interesting behavior, beautiful “singing” and, last but not least, the deadly poison produced skin some species attract the attention of not only biologists and ecologists, but also a large army of terrarium enthusiasts. Fortunately, when kept and bred in captivity, the toxicity of the poison practically disappears. It is possible that it depends on living conditions and the type of food, but nothing is known for sure. This allows us to recommend Dendrobates as pets.

For a group of poison dart frogs (1 male and 3-4 females), a spacious terrarium with dimensions of at least 40 x 25 x 25 cm is required. The soil is a mixture of peat, fern roots and sphagnum. A driftwood with plants from the bromeliad family placed on it is required. Ventilation required. Temperature during the day is 23-27 °C, at night 19-22 °C. Humidity is about 70%. Lighting is required; in this case, it is advisable to provide for daily 30-60-minute quartz treatment with a LAU-30 lamp. Feed: small insects, spiders and other invertebrates; should be in stock, since dart frogs are very energetic frogs and in the event of a week-long hunger strike they can simply die, which is different from their other cold-blooded relatives who eat just once a week.

Reproduction of poison dart frogs is incredibly interesting, although very difficult for a novice terrarium hobbyist. The male, sitting on a horizontal leaf of the plant, calls to him with melodious trills the females who are ready to reproduce. Caviar in the amount of 5-10 pieces is deposited directly on this leaf. The male fertilizes it, and then remains nearby for a while, moistening the eggs with his mucus as needed. The tadpoles hatch on the 10-15th day, and the father carries them on his own back in a lump of foamy mucus to the nearest body of water: such a body of water is often water accumulated in the axils of bromeliad leaves. The female periodically visits her children, laying unfertilized eggs in their water, which serve as food for them. The male defends his territory and his “harem” (he usually has several females) by courageously attacking male poison dart frogs of his species.

They are imported into our country the following types Dendrobates: dye frog (D. auratus)- black-blue or black-yellow, about 4 cm in size; small poison dart frog (D. pumilo) - usually bright red with black or blue legs, 1.5-2 cm in size; blue (D. azureus) poison dart frog- blue-blue with black spots, size 4 cm; sacred (D. leucomelas) poison dart frog - black with bright yellow spots and stripes, 3.5 cm in size.

In terms of difficulty of keeping, other amphibians with equally bright colors can be compared with Dendrobates. For example, harlequins (Atelopus) - small toads from tropical areas of America and Madagascar frog mantella (Mantella). Unfortunately, all these interesting tailless amphibians do not live long - 5-6 years. (However, this is longer than the lifespan of a laboratory white rat - about one and a half years!). In addition, all exotics are poorly tamed, completely ignoring the existence of their own owner. Therefore, I do not suggest that beginners should definitely have them - this is the lot of “advanced” terrarium keepers who have accumulated great experience keeping amphibians in captivity. I just want you to love all amphibians, these wonderful animals - slippery, cold, but incredibly interesting and cute.