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Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Hylidae
Genus : Pseudacris
Species : P. crucifer

Length : 1in (2.5cm)

IUCN Status : Least Concern

It's that time of year again in the northern hemisphere: spring! And with spring comes the return of the birds, the bugs, the squirrels, and, in certain areas, the Spring Peeper frogs! Spring Peepers are tiny little frogs found in wetland areas across the eastern United States.

They are tan and brown in color, with darker "X" like shapes across the back. These colors allow them to blend in to their surroundings remarkable well, making them difficult to see, but easy to hear. They create high pitched whistles and trills, which can be amazingly loud when multiple frogs are calling at once.

During breeding season hundreds of male Peepers can be calling out from one location, trying to locate mates. One mating takes place the females lay her eggs and leave, and no parents provides any additional care for the nearly 900 eggs.

Spring Peepers are nocturnal, and come out at night to feed off of insects. The are active only during the warm months, and spend their winters in hibernation.

 
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