Spotted Chorus Frog
ExploreAmphibians
Spotted Chorus Frog
pseudacris clarkii
The Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii) is a small, beautifully patterned amphibian native to the grasslands and prairies of the central United States and northern Mexico. Known for its energetic vocalizations, this tiny chorus frog comes alive during warm spring rains, congregating in temporary pools and roadside ditches to form loud, buzzing choruses. Its musical call, sounding similar to a fingernail running down a plastic comb, is a quintessential harbinger of spring in its native range. Despite its loud presence during breeding seasons, this frog is secretive and difficult to spot outside of these periods, spending its time hiding under leaf litter or loose soil.
Habitat: Found in open prairies, grasslands, and savanna regions, typically associated with temporary shallow water bodies, flooded fields, and roadside ditches.
Appearance
This small frog typically ranges from 2 to 3.5 centimeters in length. It features a pale green, grey, or tan base color adorned with prominent, irregular dark green spots that are often outlined in a lighter yellow or white border. A distinguishing field mark is a dark, triangular spot located between its eyes, as well as a light-colored stripe running along its upper lip. Its belly is smooth and cream-colored, and its toes have tiny, poorly developed pads, reflecting its terrestrial lifestyle.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyHylidaeGenusPseudacris
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Their call sounds remarkably like a thumbnail dragging across the teeth of a stiff plastic pocket comb.
They are highly opportunistic breeders, sometimes laying eggs in puddle-filled tire tracks that dry up quickly.
Unlike true treefrogs, Spotted Chorus Frogs have very small toe pads and are terrible climbers, choosing instead to live on the ground.
Special abilities
Ability
Acoustic Amplification
Utilizes a large vocal sac that expands like a balloon to produce incredibly loud, metallic clicking calls that carry across vast distances.
Ability
Estivation Burrowing
Burrows into moist soil or utilizes existing cracks during dry spells to prevent dehydration, entering a dormant state until rain returns.
Ability
Rapid Metamorphosis
Adapted to highly ephemeral waters, its larvae can undergo metamorphosis in as little as three to four weeks before their pools dry up.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2+ cm
- Weight
- 0.001+ kg
- Lifespan
- 2+ years
- Speed
- 2 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 500+
- Incubation
- 2+ days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds heavily on small terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and centipedes, while its aquatic tadpoles feed on algae.
Age differences: Tadpoles are herbivorous and detritivorous, feeding on algae and organic matter, whereas adults are strictly carnivorous insectivores.
Primary Foods
- Spiders
- Ants
- Beetles
- Small flies
- Algae
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
Eaten by
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Predator that hunts the frogs in and around breeding pools.
Hunts
Inland Floodwater Mosquito
Aedes vexans
An abundant insect prey species eaten by the adult frogs.
Eaten by
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Wading bird that opportunistically feeds on adult frogs in shallow waters.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Spotted Chorus Frog?
Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How long is Spotted Chorus Frog?
2+ cm
How much does Spotted Chorus Frog weigh?
0.001+ kg
How long does Spotted Chorus Frog live?
2+ years
How fast can Spotted Chorus Frog move?
2 km/h
What does Spotted Chorus Frog eat?
Feeds heavily on small terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and centipedes, while its aquatic tadpoles feed on algae.
Where is Spotted Chorus Frog usually found?
Found in open prairies, grasslands, and savanna regions, typically associated with temporary shallow water bodies, flooded fields, and roadside ditches.
How does Spotted Chorus Frog hunt?
Ambush
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