Spring Peeper

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

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

Description:
Small species. The color can change dramatically with the frogs surrounding cover. Generally, the background coloration ranges through different shades of brown, with the most common being medium tan, dark tan, pinkish tan, or black. The back has a large X-shaped mark that extends from the back of the head to the groin. The top 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 upper surface of the legs has crossbars. The underside is cream-colored and immaculate, except in males where the throat is yellow to yellowish green. The concealed skin in the groin area is yellow.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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 has 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.
Adult 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 a well-developed disc.
  • The toes on the hind feet are moderately webbed.
  • The dorsal skin is finely granular.
  • The ventral skin is coarsely granular.
Larvae 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.
Range:

Listen to Calls:

May be Confused With:
References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 148-151pp.
Credits:
  • Wayne Fidler
  • Jeff Hankey
  • Bob Hamilton
  • John Smith
  • Jason Poston
  • Don Becker (psychoticnature.com)

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