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 Official State Amphibian
Adoption of State Amphibian
On April 12, Louisiana State Senators Jon D. Johnson and John J. Hainkel introduced Senate Bill 435 promoting adoption of the Green Treefrog, Hyla cinerea, as the official state amphibian of Louisiana. The bill was a result of a yearlong contest held at the Louisiana Nature and Science Center where student visitors voted for their favorite amphibian. The Gulf Coast Herpetological Society also played a role in ensuring that Louisiana had an official state amphibian. On its way to final approval in the Louisiana Senate, the Green Treefrog had to overcome an amendment to Senate Bill 435 introduced by Senator Willie Crain. His amendment replaced the Green Treefrog with the Bullfrog. "The bullfrog is easily seen and you can certainly hear them," Crain said. Senator James Cox asked whether an alligator wouldn't be a more suitable symbol. He backed down when he learned that alligators were reptiles, not amphibians. The amendment to replace the Green Treefrog with a Bullfrog was approved, but later overridden when Senator Johnson's amendment to restore the Green Treefrog to Senate Bill 435 was adopted. Senator Willie Crain was absent from the Senate at the time. On May 13, 1993, the Louisiana Senate voted 30-7 to adopt the Green Treefrog as the official state amphibian of Louisiana and sent the bill on to the House for their approval. Unfortunately, the bill ran into trouble in the House as well. Though it was approved in committee and quickly put to a floor vote by the members of the House, the bill failed to pass on June 4, 1993. Noting that 24 members of the House were absent when this vote took place, the bill was re-submitted to a vote on June 9. This time, the House voted 56-42 to adopt the Green Treefrog as the official state amphibian of Louisiana. On June 9, Senate Bill 435 was signed by the Speaker of the House. On June 10, Senate Bill 435 was signed by the President of the Senate and on June 22, 1993, the legislation was signed by Governor Edwin W. Edwards. About the Green Tree Frog
The Green Treefrog is considered to be the one of the most beautiful tree frogs in North America. Its color ranges from bright, leaf green to olive green. A yellow to white stripe runs from its jaw along each side to its hip. Hyla cinerea grows to be about 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches long. Its legs are about 1 1/2 times as long as its body, which helps it to jump from 8 to 10 feet when desired. Its toes end in round pads that allow it to climb around in trees very comfortably. Green Treefrogs are found in swamps, borders of lakes and bayous, on floating vegetation, in trees and bushes near water, in Spanish moss or under bark on trees, and any place well supplied with water or dampness. At night they can be found clinging to house windows or windowsills preying on insects attracted by the artificial light.
In spring (by May) adult male treefrogs get out and about looking for mates. Their evening calls have been described as sounding like banging a cowbell with a stick. Some compare the sound to the words "Duck! Duck!" or "Quank! Quank!" The sounds they make give rise to some other names for the Green Treefrog; Cowbell Frog; Bell Frog; and Fried Bacon Frog among them. Where Green Treefrogs are plentiful, one can look forward to a grand chorus ever year from sometime in May through July. The Green Treefrog is such an impressive specimen, that the incomparable Kermit the Frog was modeled after it. From the wilds of Louisiana to a TV Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not a bad accomplishment for a little Green Treefrog.
Louisiana Revised StatutesThe following information is excerpted from the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 49, Section 49.169.1. Note that the name of the official amphibian is misspelled in the legislation. It reads "green tree frog" where it should read "green treefrog". TITLE 49. STATE ADMINISTRATION.
Acts 1993, No. 815, §1.
Additional InformationGreen Treefrog: Reptiles and Amphibians at the National Wildlife Foundation's eNature.com. Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea: Amphibian Species Descriptions from the Southeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. Calls of Louisiana Treefrog: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Frog and Toad Posters and Prints Care and Breeding of Popular Tree Frogs: A Practical Manual for the Serious Hobbyist: by Philippe de Vosjoli, Robert Mailloux, Drew Ready. Frogs, Toads, and Treefrogs: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, and Behavior: by R. D. Bartlett, Patricia P. Bartlett. Source: Louisiana Revised Statutes, (http://www.legis.state.la.us/), December 19, 2004
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