While we were at Four-mile creek and the few people were wading their way to the 3 turtle traps in the water, there was some herp action located right by us on the bank. As we were standing and writing our notebook I noticed a Blanchard's cricket frog, Acris crepitans, hopping in the shallow water and mud. It was very difficult to catch, in fact Justin and Madeleine were also helping. After we snatched it up it still kept trying to get away, it obviously did not want to be handled. We finally set it back down and watched it hop around in our footprints in the mud from our waders. It then swam away in to the murky water.
It was very brown in color with a little bit of green tint on its back. Its coloration was not very vibrant which may have been due to the water quality. After it swam away it may have been going after a meal (it loves insects especially mosquitoes). I think it stayed close to the edge of the water to be ready to avoid predators. It is commonly fed upon by birds, fish, and other frogs. It is, however, an excellent jumper and swimmer so that helps to keep this little guy alive.
(Alex Hauenstein)
(photo courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org wiki/File:Acris_crepitansPCCA20061001-8206B1.jpg)
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