Acris gryllus or Southern Cricket Frog

This is a frequently encountered species in the Southeastern United States and is commonly found on the edges of ponds or lakes and feeds off of small insects and mosquitos.  It is distinguishable as a Cricket Frog by the bright line down it’s back and the dark triangle near its head.  Not clearly seen in this picture are its long hind limbs which distinguishes it as the Southern Cricket Frog.  They also have reduced webbing in their hind limbs and have reduced toepads.
The Southern Cricket Frog is part of the Family Hylidae and undergoes a complex life cycle with growth and metamorphosis from larvae to tadpole to juvenile and adult.  The only differences between juveniles and adults are their size and some juveniles may still be metamorphosing from their tadpole form and have a tail or reduced limbs.
As stated earlier this species is commonly found on the edges of ponds and lakes, but is also frequently found in marshy areas such as at Caw Caw County park where this individual was caught.  This is a juvenile that has completed metamorphosis or is an adult.  This species is extremely small and extremely quick. There were many different individuals escaping underfoot as our class was searching for different species. This individual in the picture was actually caught because of its coloration which I just happened to see as I was walking through the marshy areas surrounding the pier at Caw Caw County Park.  The opportunity to learn with hands on experience by looking at the different species and trying to determine species from the different distinguishing characteristics was both fun and beneficial.