Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) Natural History

Description: The spring peeper is a small (1.9- 3.2 cm), generally tan or brown-colored tree frog with its defining trait being a dark X on its back. It has terminal discs characteristic of tree frogs that assist with climbing. Males are typically smaller and have dark throats. Additionally, males have a vocal sac that allows them to make the easily recognizable "peep" used to attract mates (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhBsNqF7Hkk).

Distribution and Habitat: Spring peepers are distributed throughout the eastern United States and eastern and central Canada. 

                                                                                                                                         (http://wwknapp.home.mindspring.com/docs/spring.peeper.html)

P. crucifer generally inhabit swamps or moist woodlands near ephemeral wetlands. It is found near the ground among underbrush and detritus. Personal observation occurred on the forest edge near wetlands in Lorain County, Ohio. Some key predators of adult frogs include snakes, skunks and other (larger) frogs.

Reproduction: Spring peepers are among the earliest amphibians to emerge from hibernation and begin calling in February and March. Males call on the edge of moist habitats including small wooded ponds, larger swamps, vernal pools, flooded ditches, and wet meadows. Reproduction is aquatic and occurs between March and June depending on location. Each clutch includes 700-1000 eggs that are hidden at the water base beneath vegetation and debris. Tadpoles hatch in 1-2 weeks and metamorphose in approximately 3 months based on environmental conditions. Great diving beetle larvae are important predators of tadpoles.


Feeding/Diet: Whereas tadpoles are herbivores that suspension feed on organic and inorganic material on submerged surfaces, adults are carnivores that hunt invertebrates in low vegetation. 


Overwintering: Spring peepers hibernate beneath tree bark or under logs and have demonstrated some freeze tolerance. It increases glucose levels in order to help survive freezing.


Longevity and conservation status: The average life span of this species in the wild is 3 years and it reaches reproductive maturity the first year after hatching. Spring peepers are listed as a species of least concern according to IUCN. However, many habitats are becoming unsuitable or disappearing altogether and this species is listed as threatened in Iowa and Kansas.


Personal interaction: I first encountered spring peepers while working for Lorain County Metro Parks  (northeast Ohio) in the early summer of 2009.  The two individuals that I had physical contact with seemed to have no problems being the in presence of humans. An interesting place to look for this species was at the base of leaves invasive teasel plants where water would pool. These frogs were frequently heard calling near wetlands bordered by forest and tall grass fields. 

                                         

Above: Found on the seat of a Gator work vehicle along the forest edge on a rainy day in the summer 2009. 

Middle: Spring peeper caught and crawling on my arm. As you can see from the cattails in the background, this individual was not far from water when captured. He was released unharmed.

Bottom: Stock photo of a spring peeper (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/H_crucifer_USGS.jpg )