Species information
Scientific name: Hyla hallowellii
Japanese name: ハロウエルアマガエル
Chinese name: 哈氏樹蟾、哈氏雨蛙
English name: Hallowell’s tree frog
Origin: Okinawajima, Amami Islands
Ecology and description
The name Hallowell’s tree frog honors Edward Hallowell, a physician from Philadelphia and amateur naturalist who described many Japanese amphibians and reptiles in the 19th century.
Males call and breed from March to June during rainy days, usually in still-water environments such as rice paddies and wetlands. Though small—only 3 to 4 cm long—they produce a surprisingly loud call, making them easier to hear than to see. Spotting one is often a test of the observer’s sharp eyes.
Males are smaller than females and have yellow vocal sacs under their throats. Females are slightly larger and have white throats without vocal sacs. Once the breeding season ends, the calls cease, and the frogs become much more difficult to locate.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During the 【Herping】 tour from spring through the rainy season, this species’ calls can frequently be heard around ponds; however, they are much easier to find on rainy days.
