“What kind of tree frogs can you find in New Mexico?“

Tree Frogs are interesting animals that have adapted to all sorts of habitat niches. And while they are common, they are MUCH harder to find than your “typical” frogs that live in lakes and ponds. For example, a tree frog could literally be right next to your head, but it may be concealed on the other side of a leaf or camouflaged perfectly to its environment.

For the sake of this article, I have included members of Hylidae, which is the family that encompasses all tree frogs in New Mexico. But don’t let the name “tree frog” fool you, as species from this family are not always arboreal but can be terrestrial and semi-aquatic too!

Since tree frogs can be hard to observe, I have tried to include audio samples for each species. Listening is sometimes the BEST (or only) way to locate each species. 🙂

2 Types of Tree Frogs in New Mexico:

#1. Canyon Tree Frog

Dryophytes arenicolor

Identifying Characteristics:

Adults range from 1-2 inches in length.
Typically brown, gray-brown, tan, or gray-green with darker, irregular blotches on the back. They often match the color of their habitat.
They sometimes appear golden in direct sunlight, and the inside of the hind legs is bright yellow.

Canyon Tree Frogs are found in rocky areas in parts of northern and western New Mexico. They may be called tree frogs, but this species is mainly found perched on boulders, and rock faces near permanent water sources.

Canyon Tree Frog Range Map

During the hottest part of the day and periods of low rainfall, Canyon Frogs will seek shelter in rock crevices. They sometimes cluster together in these areas to help reduce moisture loss. They also have tougher skin on their back than most frog species to help them cope with their hot, dry climate.

You may hear the male’s low call during the breeding season, which is sometimes thought to sound like a distant sheep or goat. Since they are nocturnal, your best bet is to hear one at night.

Breeding occurs during spring rains, and the females lay large masses of 100 or more eggs which float in the water.

#2. Wright’s Mountain Tree Frog

Hyla wrightorum

Identifying Characteristics:

Small bodies that are only 1 – 2 inches in length.
Mostly green colored.
Dark stripes start at the nose, runs past the eye, and end just before the back legs.
Also commonly called Arizona Tree Frogs.

As the name suggests, these tree frogs live in the mountains of New Mexico. Look for them along streams and wet meadows at high elevations near coniferous forests.

Credit: U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior/USGS

If you do locate one, be careful! Their skin is toxic and can irritate your eyes after handling. It’s best you just leave them alone. 🙂

If you find yourself at a high elevation, listen for a repeated short, low-pitched, metallic call, which is given by breeding males. LISTEN BELOW!

Due to the difficulty getting to their mountain habitats, Wright’s Mountain Tree Frogs have not been studied in detail, and not much is known about their habitats or population status.