New Jersey Chorus Frog

Scientific Name: Pseudacris kalmi
Size: 0.75-1.5 inches (1.9-3.8 cm) in length
Status: Endangered Species

Habitat:
Woodland areas, marshes or meadows with dense vegetation. During mating season it may be found in temporary or permanent bodies of water.

Description:
The dorsal background color ranges from grey to tan or greenish brown with a dark stripe on both sides of the body that extends from the snout, though they eyes, and to the groin. The head has a white stripe that is located below the black stripe. The dorsal also has three dark strips (a middorsal stripe and two dorsolateral strips). These stripes may be complete or broken. The head has a dark spot between the eyes. The dorsal surface of the legs have dark spots or bars. The ventral is cream to white and may have black flecks.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal background color ranges from grey to tan or greenish brown with a dark stripe on both sides of the body that extends from the snout, though they eyes, and to the groin. The head has a white stripe that is located below the black stripe. The dorsal also has three dark strips (a middorsal stripe and two dorsolateral strips). These stripes may be complete or broken.
  • The head has a dark spot between the eyes.
  • The dorsal surface of the legs have dark spots or bars.
  • The ventral is cream to white and may have black flecks.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Small species.
  • The body is moderately proportioned
  • The head is narrow and pointed.
  • The dorsal skin is slightly rough.
  • The ventral skin is coarsely granular.
  • The fore legs are short.
  • The hind legs are long with elongate toes that are webbed at the base.
  • The toe pads are small.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • Small-sized. Average 2.5-3 cm
  • The dorsum and sides are dark brown and may have a metallic/bronze flecking.
  • The belly is bronze and iridescent.
  • The tail crest is moderately developed and translucent, with small dark spots and flecks.
Range:

Distinction between subspecies:
  • There is little difference in the identifying characteristics of the Western Chorus Frog, Uplands Chorus Frog and the New Jersey Chorus Frog, except for the calls and range.

Larvae Gallery:

Egg Gallery:
May be Confused With:
References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 154-159pp.
Credits:
  • Brandon Curtis
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Don Becker
  • Brandon Ruhe
  • Stephen Staedtler

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