Water contents, desiccation rates and desiccation tolerances were obtained for 8 species of hylid frogs (Acris gryllus, A. crepitans, Pseudacris triseriata, Hyla cinerea, H. crucifer, H. squirella, H. versicolor, H. gratiosa). Interspecific differences in water content were noted, but did not correlate with the degree of terrestrialism. Although desiccation rates were significantly different for some species, no apparent relationship exists between the rate of water loss and the degree of terrestrialism. Log rate on log weight regressions for all species indicate that the rate of water loss is primarily a function of surface area or configuration to volume ratios. Critical Activity Point (CAP) values of H. gratiosa and H. versicolor are significantly higher than those of the other species, suggesting physiological adaptations to a terrestrial mode of life. The lower dessication tolerance of A. crepitans and A. gryllus correlates with their apparently aquatic habitat. Pseudacris triseriata, H. cinerea, H. crucifer, and H. squirella had similar desiccation tolerances, probably reflecting similar microhabitat moisture preference. CAP values are not influenced by the rate of desiccation and may be genetically controlled.
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