Spring Peeper Find

Our class was again in the field today at a spot called Woodland Trails. The day was overcast and about fifty degrees with a slight wind. Walking towards the pond, which was in an area with sparse tree coverage, we immediately began hearing American toads (Bufo americanus) calling. As I was about to wade into the water, I spotted this spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) sitting on the shore. It was about one and a half inches long with a dark brown x pattern on its back which distinguishes it from other Hylidae members. They generally eat small invertebrates like water beetles and ants found around the pond they inhabit. They are rather explosive breeders and begin mating in the early spring time. The males will call the females--with a disproportionally loud "peep", hence the name. The females can lay up to a thousand eggs at a time. Though generally nocturnal, this one seemed to be up early! It better be careful as its main predators--snakes, small mammals, beetle larvae, and herp students--are on the look out for them! (Posted by Morgan Smith)