Hyla meridionalis Boettger, 1874

Species Overview

The Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis Boettger, 1874), also called the stripeless tree frog, is a species of frog that occurs in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.

Size Comparison

It looks similar to the European tree frog, but is larger — some females reach up to 65 millimetres (2.6 inches) in length.

Physical Distinguishing Features

It also has longer hind legs than the European tree frog, and the dark stripe along its flank only extends as far as the front legs, often starting at the eyes rather than the nostrils.

Mating Call Traits

Its mating call resembles that of Hyla arborea (European tree frog), but is deeper and slower.

Breeding Period

Hyla meridionalis generally breeds from the end of March to the beginning of July, and its breeding depends on several factors including water availability.

Larval Duration

This species has a larval period of 15 days.

Distribution

Native Range

In terms of distribution, this frog is found in central and southern Portugal, Spain (ranging from Catalonia to Andalusia and Extremadura), southern France, northern Italy (only in the region of Liguria), Morocco, northern Algeria and northern Tunisia.

Introduced Populations

It also has long-established introduced populations in Madeira and the Canary Islands, and a more recently introduced population in Menorca.