The European tree frog (Hyla arborea) is a small tree frog. As traditionally defined, it was found throughout much of Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but based on molecular genetic and other data several populations formerly included in it are now recognized as separate species (for example, H. intermedia of Italy and nearby, H. molleri of the Iberian Peninsula, H. meridionalis of parts of southwestern Europe and northern Africa, and H. orientalis of parts of Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions), limiting the true European tree frog to Europe from France to Poland and Greece.
Description
thumb|European tree frog (Hyla arborea) in Kapıçam National Park, [[Kahramanmaraş]]
European tree frogs are small; males range from in length, and females range from in length. They are slender, with long legs. with large (folded) vocal sacs. The head of H. arborea is rounded, the lip drops strongly, the pupil has the shape of a horizontal ellipse, and the tympanum is clearly recognizable. The discs on the frog's toes, which it uses to climb trees and hedges, is a characteristic feature of H. arborea. Like other frogs, their hind legs are much larger and stronger than the fore legs, enabling the frogs to jump rapidly.
Distribution and habitat
Members of the H. arborea species complex are the only representatives of the widespread tree frog family (Hylidae) indigenous to mainland Europe. northwest Africa, and temperate Asia to Japan.
European tree frogs can be found in marshlands, damp meadows, reed beds, parks, gardens,
Reproduction
thumbnail|right|Male chorus
thumb|thumbtime=1:35|Calling males at night
European tree frogs reproduce in stagnant bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, swamps, reservoirs, and sometimes puddles, After a spring rain, the males will call females from low vegetation or shallow ponds.