Eastern Cricket Frog

Scientific Name: Acris crepitans
Size: 0.5-1.5 inches (1.6-3.5 cm) in length
Status: Endangered Species

Habitat:
A permanent water source like slow-moving streams in open habitat, the margin of lakes and ponds, and around springs or marshy areas.

Descripton:
Small species. A diminutive frog with rough skin which may be greenish, brown, tan, yellowish with a dark triangle between the eyes. Stripes on back of thigh. The snout is rounded and it has relatively short legs. Extensive webbing on hind feet. Voice is a shrill measured clicking. Inhabits shallow ponds or temporary pools with vegetation.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal body color is grey, brown or light green with a light bright green to chestnut brown middorsal stripe and dark spots scattered over the back.
  • A dark triangular shaped spot is present between the eyes.
  • The upper lip has alternating light and dark spots.
  • A light bar extends from the eyes to the base of the forelegs.
  • The dorsal surface of the hind legs has dark cross-bars and a dark longitutinal stripe aloung the back of the thigh.
  • The sides of the body has large, dark diffuesed spots.
  • The ventral is white.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Small-sized species.
  • The body is slender.
  • The head is long and pointed.
  • The upperjaw extends infront of the lower jaw.
  • The fore legs are normal size and the fingers are not webbed.
  • The hind legs are very long and the toes are long and webbed.
  • The toes and fingers terminate into disk.
  • The dorsal skin gradular with scattered warts.
  • The ventral skin is smooth on the chest and becomes granular posteriorly.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • Small. Average 3-5 cm
  • The dorsal surface is olive green, and mottled with black.
  • The ventral is lighter than the dorsal and somewhat iridescent.
  • The tail crests are low and translucent with scattered dark spots.
  • The tail is similar in color to the body and the tip is black.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • May resemble recently transformed Rana Species.
  • Chorus Frogs.

Listen to Calls:

References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 138-141pp.
Credits:
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Bill Peterman
  • Kyle Loucks
  • Dave Emma
  • Chris Harrison
  • Doug Warner
  • Don Becker

Heads up!

Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

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