80 - Observations on the Development of Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla Chrysoscelis)

Poster Board Number: 80
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Abstract Body : Observations on the Development of Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Abstract
There is a small population of Cope’s Gray Treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) in a suburban neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia. Naturally spawned eggs of Cope’s Gray Treefrog were collected from a man-made amphibian pond the morning after evening spawning. Hyla chrysoscelis was identified and distinguished from the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) by spectrographic analysis of male advertisement calls. The normal development of fertilized eggs was monitored through early development, larval stages, and metamorphosis to juvenile frogs. Gastrulation was completed in 18 hrs. Embryos reached the neural tube stage by 1 day. Gill circulation occurred by day 2.5. Larvae began to feed at 7 days. The average time from fertilization to complete metamorphosis at 21-24 ºC. was 54.1 days +/- 3 s.d. (N = 10, ranged 49 days-59 days). Metamorphosed juveniles were then released near the spawning site.