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happyTopic: Frog Profiles
Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer
The Spring Peeper is a small frog heard much more often than seen. According to Frogwatch USA, it is the most abundant frog heard in the United States. This small treefrog can be from fawn to yellow gray to dark brown, but usually has an “X” on its back, occasionally broken up (the origin of it’s Latin name, crucifer). Small toe pads are found at the end of slightly webbed feet. It is found in most of the eastern half of the US and statewide in Indiana. Its size ranges from 19-33.5mm with females slightly larger than males, and northern regions slightly smaller. The males call is a loud “PEEP” and when large choruses call it sounds like sleigh bells. During their breeding season is the best time to find them. In early March to early May, large groups migrate to their breeding pools. The calls can be deafening! Occasionally found and heard during the summer, winter and fall. I heard one in Clinton County in September and have read reports of callers in Southern IN this January. Though very abundant, their populations are localized near woodland areas. Source: Minton, Sherman A. 2001, Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana (revised second edition), Indiana Academy of ScienceInkley, Douglas B. 2006, Final Report Assessment of Frogwatch USA Data 1998-2005, for USGS
Posted by wendellsfrogblog
at 9:14 AM EST
