The following genera are recognised in the family Hylidae:[2][3][4][5] The subfamilies Pelodryadinae and Phyllomedusinae are sometimes classified as distinct families of their own due to their deep divergence and unique evolutionary history (with Pelodryadinae being the sister group to Phyllomedusinae and colonizing Australia during the Eocene via Antarctica, which at the time was not yet frozen over), but are presently retained in the Hylidae.

[2][6] Most hylids show adaptations suitable for an arboreal lifestyle, including forward-facing eyes providing binocular vision, and adhesive pads on the fingers and toes.

The European tree frog (Hyla arborea) is common in the middle and south of Europe, and its range extends into Asia and North Africa.

Other species lay their eggs on the leaves of vegetation hanging over water, allowing the tadpoles to drop into the pond when they hatch.

Another unusual adaptation is found in some South American hylids, which brood the eggs on the back of the female.