The Gray Tree Frog, encompassing both the tetraploid Hyla versicolor and the diploid Hyla chrysocelis species, is an insectivorous amphibian native to North America. Understanding the diet of this arboreal frog is important because it directly influences its survival in the wild and its long-term health in captivity. These frogs are purely carnivorous, requiring a diet consisting entirely of live, soft-bodied invertebrates to meet their specific nutritional needs.
Natural Prey in the Wild
The adult Gray Tree Frog is an opportunistic predator that consumes a wide variety of invertebrates encountered in its arboreal habitat. Their diet generally includes any small arthropod that fits within their mouth, demonstrating a strategy based on availability. Studies of their stomach contents reveal common natural prey items like moths, mites, spiders, and small caterpillars.
They also frequently consume ground-dwelling prey when they descend from trees, such as snails, slugs, ants, and beetles. Ants and beetles often constitute the majority of the prey consumed, highlighting their generalist feeding habits. The diet is largely restricted by the frog’s size, but they may occasionally prey upon smaller frogs if the opportunity arises.
The adult and larval stages have contrasting diets. Tadpoles are primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and organic detritus found in the water where they hatch. Once metamorphosis is complete, the froglets transition entirely to a carnivorous, insect-based diet, which supports their rapid growth and development.
Hunting Methods and Feeding Frequency
Adult Gray Tree Frogs are nocturnal hunters, typically becoming active after dusk to search for food in trees and shrubs. They are ambush predators, utilizing their camouflage to remain hidden and relying on the movement of prey to trigger a strike. This sit-and-wait approach conserves energy while waiting for an insect to pass by.
When prey is detected, the frog uses a rapid and precise launch of its sticky tongue to capture the insect. Their hunting success relies heavily on their ability to climb vertically using specialized toe pads.
Adult Gray Tree Frogs do not need to be fed every day, often eating a large meal every two to three days. Juveniles and newly metamorphosed froglets require a more frequent feeding schedule, often needing to consume insects daily to support their ongoing growth. Feeding sessions typically involve three to six appropriately-sized prey items per session.
Captive Diet: Staple Foods and Supplements
For captive Gray Tree Frogs, the diet must mimic the nutritional variety of their wild intake. The staple diet should consist of commercially bred insects that are gut-loaded, meaning they are fed a nutritious diet before being offered. Staple feeders include crickets, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, and Dubia Roaches, which offer high protein with moderate fat content.
Treats or rotational feeders, such as mealworms, waxworms, and superworms, should be offered sparingly due to their higher fat content. A complete captive diet requires regular supplementation with vitamin and mineral powders applied directly to the insects before feeding.
Calcium powder with Vitamin D3 is dusted onto prey at every feeding for juveniles and every other feeding for adults to prevent metabolic bone disease. A multivitamin supplement, often containing Vitamin A, should be provided once every ten to fourteen days. Avoid feeding Gray Tree Frogs insects caught from the wild, as these can carry harmful pesticides or parasites.