Point Pelee Classification Guide
By: Madison Trozzi
SPRING PEEPERS
Spring Peepers
(Pseudacris crucifer)
The spring peeper is a small chorus frog, and part of the Hylidae family.
Animals of the Hylidae family share similar characteristics:
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Most hylids show characteristics suitable for an arboreal (forest) lifestyle, which are: forward-facing eyes providing binocular vision, and adhesive pads on their toes and fingers. But, there are a few species where this isn’t applicable.
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Mostly feed on invertebrates and insects.
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Hylids lay eggs, in a wide range of locations.
What To Look For:
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Tan and brown coloured, with a dark cross that roughly forms an X on their back (or dorsa). This marking can sometimes be obscured or indistinct.
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Other colour variations can be tan, brown, olive green, and grey. Females are usually a lighter colour, while males are smaller and usually have dark throats.
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The spring peeper has large toe pads for climbing, though prefers to spend it’s time on the forest floor.
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By the throat, the male spring peeper has a vocal sac which expands and deflates like a balloon to create a short and recognizable peeping sound.
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Spring Peepers live primarily in forests and wetlands, though the amphibious species require marshes, swamp or pond regions.
