Scientific Name: Pseudacris crucifer
Size: 0.75-1.25 inches (1.9-3.2 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Deciduous woodlands, swamps, marshland fields and meadows.

Colorations:

• The color can change dramatically with the frogs surrounding cover.
• The dorsal background color ranges in different shades of brown, with the most common being medium tan, dark tan, pinkish tan, or black. The dorsal has a large X-shaped mark that extends from the back of the head to the groin.
• The dorsum of the head has a dark bar that extends from one eye to the other eye.
• The sides of the head have a dark bar that extends from the nose, though the eyes where it widens and then ends near the tympanum.
• The dorsal surface of the legs have crossbars.
• The undersides are cream-colored and immaculate, except in males where the throat is yellow to yellowish green.
• The concealed skin in the groin area is yellow.

Characteristics:

• Small species.
• The body is robust.
• The head is short and broad with a slightly pointed snout.
• The legs are well-developed.
• The toe tips have well-developed disc.
• The toes on the hind feet are moderately webbed.
• The dorsal skin is finely granular.
• The ventral skin is coarsely granular.

Tadpole coloration and characteristics:

• Small-sized. Average 0.46-1.015 cm
• The dorsum and sides are greenish and may have gold flecking.
• The belly is immaculate white or creamed-color and iridescent.
• The eyes are located on the side of the heads.
• The tail crest is moderately developed and translucent with dark maculations, except along the dorsal margin or tail tip.

Confused with:

• Mountain Chorus Frog

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults




Tadpoles
Eggs

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 148-151pp.

Photo Credits:

• Wayne Fidler
• Jeff Hankey
• Bob Hamilton
• John Smith