Buying a pet frog and not knowing what to call it?There are many ways to tell males and females apart in the majority of frog species.Learn how to tell the sex of a tree frog in seconds.
Step 1: Take a look at its size.
Males are smaller than females for most frog species.Depending on the precise species, tree frog range from 1 to 5 inches.Females are usually half an inch longer and heavier than males of the same species.There is a reason for this.The female needs to be larger so that the male's weight doesn't hurt her.
Step 2: Look for a vocal sac.
Since males do most of the croaking, they usually have specially-constructed throats.A "vocal sac" is what most male frog have on their throats.When a frog dies, the sac can inflate into the air.When the frog isn't croaking, the deflated sac may make the skin on the throat seem more thin and baggy.The vocal sac's skin is often a different color than the rest of the underside.It's common to see yellow or black shades.
Step 3: Make sure the ears are the right size.
Frogs don't have ears that stick out from their heads like humans, instead they have discs of skin behind their eyes.Sometimes the discs are a different color than the skin around them.Male frog ears are larger than their eyes.Female frog ears are the same size as their eyes.
Step 4: There are pads next to the thumbs.
Male frog have special features on their hands and arms that make it easier to cling to female frog's backs.Male frog have a patch of rough, raised flesh on their thumbs.The frog is most likely a male if the thumb is larger and thicker than the other digits.This feature is hard to see in the breeding season when it enlarges.
Step 5: There are less-common differences in appearance.
There are many differences between males and females.Some of these are listed.Some frog may or may not have them.The hand hooks described below are often only developed during the mating season.Men with thicker arms have more definition in their muscles.The hook-shaped adornments on the male frog's hands are used for gripping onto females.Male and female frog have different skin types, with the male having rougher skin and the female having smooth skin.
Step 6: Don't listen at night.
The males seem to croak at night without stopping.Female frog use the calls of the males to determine which ones are healthiest and most attractive, and they do this to attract mates around breeding spots.Females don't usually make a lot of noise..It's not to say that female frog don't make noise.A female frog may call out in response to something else.When a predator grabs a female frog, she will scream.Most males croak constantly at night, but they won't.
Step 7: It's a good idea to look for "humping" behavior.
Male frog will occasionally "hump" things.They will press the underside of their bodies against something if they climb onto it.They don't use an obvious "thrusting" motion like a male dog, but their intention should be obvious.This isn't limited to females of the frog family.A male frog may hug an object.They may hump other males.The female frog won't hump.
Step 8: Some behaviors aren't indicative of sex.
Some behaviors seem like things that only males would do, but they are not.The males and females of the frog will defend themselves or attempt to run if threatened.The males and females shed skin.The males and females will attempt to camouflage themselves.The male and female frog have the same diet.
Step 9: Ask a vet if all else fails.
It's not always easy to tell male and female tree frog apart, especially if you are dealing with a very small species or a species without obvious male/female appearance variations.You may want to talk to an expert.Valuable resources include biologists, amphibian experts, veterinarians, and similar professionals.