This past week, during our trip to Hueston Woods, we had found a prime spot for herps. Tammy and her friend took our class to this stream on the side of the road in Hueston Woods. With temperatures of 70-75 and partly cloudy, we couldn't have picked a better day to go out into the field. Actually, looking back at it, we've had good weather on almost ALL of our herp field trips, which has been really nice.
Anyways, we were walking in the stream, through the rocks and waterfalls when Matt and I came across a small patch of grass/shrubs by the stream. There were a few rocks and twigs by the shrubs. So we moved the twigs/rocks around, and there it was, a green frog (Rana clamitans). The frog was rather small, about 2" long. We were not too surprised to find this species because they are native to the eastern US along with Canada. The frog was a combination of green and brown (which is normal). I would say it was a male because from what we've learned in class (and online) males tend to defend their territories more; and that's exactly what this guy was doing. These frogs are part of the Ranidae family (true frogs). This frog very well could have been looking for a mate, because these frogs have their breeding season from April to August; where they lay anywhere from 1000-7000 eggs, which is crazy!!!
In all, this trip was very successful for a number of students because we found frogs, snakes, salamanders, etc etc etc.
PS To hear their call, here is a cool video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0uGjsM_gh4
thanks!!
Posted by Tom Kowalski
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