13 Types of Tree Frogs in Louisiana
Louisiana hosts several tree frog species including the Green Treefrog and Gray Treefrog. Most are found in swampy areas and are active from spring through fall. Your best odds are near water at dusk, listening for their distinctive calls. This guide covers ID markers, lookalikes, and the best times to spot them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of tree frogs recorded in Louisiana
13 tree frog species have a verified observation record in Louisiana, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 13 shown is recorded as introduced to Louisiana rather than native.
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Also recorded in Louisiana
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Barking Tree FrogDryophytes gratiosus | Dryophytes gratiosus | 29 |
Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Louisiana hosts several tree frog species including the Green Treefrog and Gray Treefrog. Most are found in swampy areas and are active from spring through fall. Your best odds are near water at dusk, listening for their distinctive calls. This guide covers ID markers, lookalikes, and the best times to spot them.
1. What are the most common tree frogs in Louisiana?
Louisiana is home to several tree frog species. The most common are the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), which is bright green with a white stripe, and the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), which can change color from gray to green. You'll also find the Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella) and the Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). The Bird-voiced Treefrog is less common but present in the southern part of the state. For a full list, check out ourtree frog identification page.
2. How can you identify different tree frogs in Louisiana?
Focus on size, color, and toe pads. Green Treefrogs reach about 2 inches and have large toe pads. Gray Treefrogs are slightly smaller and have a mottled pattern. The Squirrel Treefrog is smaller (1-1.5 inches) and often has a dark stripe through the eye. Listen to their calls: the Green Treefrog's call is a repeated 'queenk-queenk,' while the Gray Treefrog's is a slow trill. Lookalikes include Cricket Frogs, which are smaller and lack enlarged toe pads.
3. Where in Louisiana do people usually notice tree frogs first?
Most sightings happen near water: ponds, swamps, bayous, and even backyard water gardens. In New Orleans, you can find them in City Park. In the Atchafalaya Basin, they are abundant. During the breeding season, they gather at the edges of ditches and flooded fields. For more about Louisiana wildlife, visit ourLouisiana wildlife page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time to see tree frogs in Louisiana?
The best season is from late spring to early fall (April to September). They are most active after heavy rains and during warm, humid nights. Look for them at dusk and just after dark. During the day, you might find them hiding under leaves or in tree cavities. For confident sightings, aim for a warm evening after a rain shower.
5. What do tree frog calls sound like and how can you use them for identification?
Each species has a distinct call. The Green Treefrog makes a nasal, barking 'queenk.' The Gray Treefrog produces a slow, high-pitched trill. The Squirrel Treefrog sounds like a squirrel's chatter. The Bird-voiced Treefrog emits a clear, bird-like whistle. Listen for these sounds to zero in on their location. Recordings can be found on many field guide apps.
6. How do tree frogs differ from their lookalikes like cricket frogs?
Cricket frogs (Acris species) are often mistaken for small tree frogs. However, cricket frogs have bumpy skin, smaller toe pads, and a dark, triangular mark on the head. They are also more likely to jump into water when approached. Tree frogs have smooth skin and large, sticky toe pads for climbing. Another lookalike is the spring peeper, but it is only found in the northern part of Louisiana.
7. What items can help you enjoy tree frog watching and show your appreciation?
Once you've identified a tree frog, you might want to commemorate the experience with some tree frog themed gear. Here are a few options from our selection:
Amazon Rainforest Upper Orinoco Tree Frog Sweatshirt
A comfortable sweatshirt featuring a detailed tree frog illustration from the Upper Orinoco region. Perfect for cool evenings after a frog hunt.Check Price and Availability
Tree Frog T-Shirt
A classic tee with a simple tree frog graphic. Great for casual wear or as a gift for a fellow frog fan.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Tree Frog T-Shirt
A retro-style shirt with a faded tree frog design. Lightweight and comfortable for warm Louisiana days.Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse ourtree frog t-shirts collection.
8. What are some frequently asked questions about tree frogs in Louisiana?
**Are tree frogs poisonous in Louisiana?** No, tree frogs in Louisiana are not poisonous, but they can carry bacteria like salmonella. Wash hands after handling them.
**Can I keep a tree frog as a pet?** Yes, but it's best to purchase from a breeder rather than wild-caught. Species like the Green Treefrog do well in captivity with proper care.
**How long do tree frogs live?** In the wild, typically 2-5 years. In captivity, with good care, they can live up to 6 years.
**Do tree frogs hibernate in Louisiana?** Yes, they hibernate in burrows or under leaf litter during colder months, usually November to February.
**What do tree frogs eat?** They eat insects like moths, crickets, and flies.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common tree frogs in Louisiana?+
Louisiana is home to several tree frog species. The most common are the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), which is bright green with a white stripe, and the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor), which can change color from gray to green. You'll also find the Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella) and the Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). The Bird-voiced Treefrog is less common but present in the southern part of the state. For a full list, check out ourtree frog identification page.
2. How can you identify different tree frogs in Louisiana?+
Focus on size, color, and toe pads. Green Treefrogs reach about 2 inches and have large toe pads. Gray Treefrogs are slightly smaller and have a mottled pattern. The Squirrel Treefrog is smaller (1-1.5 inches) and often has a dark stripe through the eye. Listen to their calls: the Green Treefrog's call is a repeated 'queenk-queenk,' while the Gray Treefrog's is a slow trill. Lookalikes include Cricket Frogs, which are smaller and lack enlarged toe pads.
3. Where in Louisiana do people usually notice tree frogs first?+
Most sightings happen near water: ponds, swamps, bayous, and even backyard water gardens. In New Orleans, you can find them in City Park. In the Atchafalaya Basin, they are abundant. During the breeding season, they gather at the edges of ditches and flooded fields. For more about Louisiana wildlife, visit ourLouisiana wildlife page. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best time to see tree frogs in Louisiana?+
The best season is from late spring to early fall (April to September). They are most active after heavy rains and during warm, humid nights. Look for them at dusk and just after dark. During the day, you might find them hiding under leaves or in tree cavities. For confident sightings, aim for a warm evening after a rain shower.
5. What do tree frog calls sound like and how can you use them for identification?+
Each species has a distinct call. The Green Treefrog makes a nasal, barking 'queenk.' The Gray Treefrog produces a slow, high-pitched trill. The Squirrel Treefrog sounds like a squirrel's chatter. The Bird-voiced Treefrog emits a clear, bird-like whistle. Listen for these sounds to zero in on their location. Recordings can be found on many field guide apps.
6. How do tree frogs differ from their lookalikes like cricket frogs?+
Cricket frogs (Acris species) are often mistaken for small tree frogs. However, cricket frogs have bumpy skin, smaller toe pads, and a dark, triangular mark on the head. They are also more likely to jump into water when approached. Tree frogs have smooth skin and large, sticky toe pads for climbing. Another lookalike is the spring peeper, but it is only found in the northern part of Louisiana.
7. What items can help you enjoy tree frog watching and show your appreciation?+
Once you've identified a tree frog, you might want to commemorate the experience with some tree frog themed gear. Here are a few options from our selection: ### Amazon Rainforest Upper Orinoco Tree Frog Sweatshirt A comfortable sweatshirt featuring a detailed tree frog illustration from the Upper Orinoco region. Perfect for cool evenings after a frog hunt.Check Price and Availability ### Tree Frog T-Shirt A classic tee with a simple tree frog graphic. Great for casual wear or as a gift for a fellow frog fan.Check Price and Availability ### Vintage Tree Frog T-Shirt A retro-style shirt with a faded tree frog design. Lightweight and comfortable for warm Louisiana days.Check Price and Availability For more options, browse ourtree frog t-shirts collection.
8. What are some frequently asked questions about tree frogs in Louisiana?+
**Are tree frogs poisonous in Louisiana?** No, tree frogs in Louisiana are not poisonous, but they can carry bacteria like salmonella. Wash hands after handling them. **Can I keep a tree frog as a pet?** Yes, but it's best to purchase from a breeder rather than wild-caught. Species like the Green Treefrog do well in captivity with proper care. **How long do tree frogs live?** In the wild, typically 2-5 years. In captivity, with good care, they can live up to 6 years. **Do tree frogs hibernate in Louisiana?** Yes, they hibernate in burrows or under leaf litter during colder months, usually November to February. **What do tree frogs eat?** They eat insects like moths, crickets, and flies. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see tree frog
More wildlife in Louisiana