Spring Peeper
Pseudacris crucifer
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Christine Young in Woodbury
Listen to call:
Description
Spring peepers grow to a maximum of one and a half inches long. Although these small frogs are most commonly light brown, they can also be gray or reddish. They are able to change lighter or darker to better blend into their environment. Their skin color is also affected by temperature and exposure to light. They have light bellies with little to no mottling. Across this species' back is a dark pattern that usually resembles an X. Their inner thighs have a pale yellow coloring, and they have suction cups on their toe pads. Females are
Habitat
usually lighter and grow larger than males, while males have darker throats.
This frog can be found in or around vernal pools, woodlands, and marshes. However, they are best suited to live in permanent ponds.
Behavior
Although this species is primarily arboreal, lower humidity and air temperature may decrease this behavior. They eat small invertebrates like beetles, ants, flies, and spiders. Peepers
found in deep forests generally hunt at any time, however those living on woodland edges usually are only active at night. Tadpoles feed on algae, and are predated by diving beetle larvae. The predators of adult spring peepers are snakes, larger frogs, and small mammals such as skunks. They breed in the early spring from March to June while snow is still on the ground. This can occur in vernal pools, flood plains, permanent ponds, or man made ditches. Females choose their mate based on the males call, and will lay 900 eggs that are hidden underwater in vegetation.
Range
Present
Gray treefrogs and spring peepers are often confused. Although treefrogs may have skin that appears more brown, it is more commonly gray to green. Spring peepers almost always have a light brown coloring to their skin. Gray treefrogs have rougher skin than peepers and are usually larger. Peepers have a distinctive X marking across their back, while the patterns on treefrogs are random.