Pseudacris crucifer: Natural History

On a recent field trip to Dixie Plantation in Hollywood, SC we stumbled upon a Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) on a nearby branch. These frogs are easily identified by the "X" located on their dorsum. These frogs can come in a variety of colors such as brown, gray, or olive, and can occasionally be yellowish red, as seen in the organism above. They are generally found in marshy woodlands and non-wooded lowlands, which fits the description of Dixie plantation.  They are in the Family Hylidae, which is the tree frog family, and are known for being good climbers. But it seems that the Spring Peeper tends to prefer to be on the ground or hiding in leaf litter. A generally tiny frog, growing only up to 20-25 mm by the time of adulthood. The spring peeper is especially known for it's call, which its how it got it's common name. It's frog can be compared to that of a young chicken, except louder and rising slightly in tone. They perform their mating calls usually in April and May with the greatest occurrence during the warmest, wet nights.