Spring Peeper

Scientific name: Pseudacris crucifer

These tiny frogs inhabit a great deal of the eastern U.S. and Canada, including northern Florida. Their distinct peeping call can be heard, often in a shrill chorus, because they gather in large groups during the breeding season.

Appearance

Spring peeper
Spring peeper, Pseudacris crucifer. Florida Museum photo by Kenneth Krysko.

Very small, they are often less than an inch, and rarely more than 1.5 inches long. Color is usually tan or brown, to olive or gray, with a distinct (but sometimes imperfect) X mark across their backs. They usually have slightly bumpy skin and additional striping or freckling as camouflaging. Only males have a dark throat and make the peeping sound.

Behavior

Spring peepers prefer forests in and around semi-permanent swamps and wetlands. During the breeding season they aggregate in large groups around pools and ponds, and their chirps rise in volume when competition is high. They overwinter under bark or in logs, and in their northern ranges, they often withstand freezing temperatures.

Sound

Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper Chorus Mating Call

Food

Insectivores. They eat mainly ants, beetles, flies and other small insects.

Habitat & Range

Notable

Spring peepers can tolerate cold temperatures, and can survive freezing of their body fluids as low as 18 F. Only males have a dark throat and make the peeping sound, but because of their volume, can be hard to locate.

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