Spring Peeper
Pseudacris crucifer
Summary 5
The spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is a small chorus frog widespread throughout the eastern United States and Canada. They are so called because of their chirping call that marks the beginning of spring. There are two subspecies: Northern spring peeper and Southern spring peeper.
Physical Description 6
This species is usually tan or brown in color. An important visual identifier for this species are the dark lines that go across the back and create a X. They usually grow to 1.5 inches in length and are equipped with large top pads for climbing.It has a dark bar between its eyes and dark bands on its legs. A vocal sac under its chin puffs out when making a call. Large, sticky toe pads on each of its webbed feet help in climbing trees and other plants.
Reproduction 7
In regards to breeding and reproduction, the Spring Peeper usually breeds in aquatic areas. After three years, the peeper reaches official breeding age. The breeding period lasts from March to June and 800-1,000 eggs are laid during this time. Once the eggs are laid, the mother leaves them to feen for themselves.
Behavior 8
This species inhabits woodlands under forest litter or within brushy undergrowth. They are particularly abundant in brushy secondary growth or cutover woodlots if they are close to small temporary or semi-permanent ponds or swamps. They are rarely seen outside of the breeding season though occassionally an individual can be found travelling through the woods by day in wet weather. Their diet consists primarily of small arthropods. This species may fall prey to large spiders. This species has been shown to tolerate temperatures of -6 degrees Celcius for 5 days. At the end of that period, approximately 35% of body fluids were frozen. This and other species that tolerate extreme cold temperatures were shown to have high levels of glycerol in body tissues during the winter. Glycerol is absent from body tissues in the summer. This species forms choral groups in areas with or near trees or shrubs standing in water. Male call is a high piping whistle repeated about every second. This species primarily feeds on beetles and other small insects.
Habitat 6
Spring peepers are found in lowlands and wooded areas near swamps and ponds. They usually find homes around debris or forest floors. Spring peepers avoid dry and hot areas because it interferes with the respiration process. They are especially abundant in shruby secondary growth or cutover woodlots in close proximity to small temporary or semi-permanent ponds or swamps.
Fontes e Créditos
- (c) Bruce J. Mohn, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bruce J. Mohn
- (c) Dave Huth, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/davemedia/8700094141/
- (c) Bethany Harvey, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/bethanyaharvey/6220274799/
- (c) OwenMartin12, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/68982035@N02/8154359077/
- Adaptado por TaelorJones de uma obra de (c) Wikipedia, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudacris_crucifer
- Adaptado por colbyb de uma obra de (c) TaelorJones, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA)
- (c) TaelorJones, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA)
- (c) colbyb, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA)
