Northern Cricket Frog

Description:

The northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans) is a species of small Hylid frog native to the United States and northeastern Mexico. Despite being members of the tree frog family, they are not arboreal. There are three recognized subspecies. The northern cricket frog is one of North America's two smallest vertebrates, ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inches (19–38 mm) long. Its dorsal coloration varies widely, and includes greys, greens and browns, often in irregular blotching patterns. One NY biologist has identified 6 distinct colour morphs and 4 pattern morphs, and several intrergrades between these.(Westerveld,1977). Typically there is dark banding on the legs and a white bar from the eye to the base of the foreleg.

Habitat:

Northern cricket frogs are diurnal and generally active much of the year, except in mid-winter in northern areas when the water is frozen. Cricket frogs prefer the edges of slow moving, permanent bodies of water. Large groups of them can often be found together along the muddy banks of shallow streams, esp. during premigratory clustering. The northern cricket frog has been observed to hibernate upland, often at considerable distance from water. Their primary diet is small 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches long.insects, including mosquitos. They in turn are predated upon by a number of species, including birds, fish, and other frogs. To escape predators, they are capable of leaping up to 6 feet (almost 2 metres) in a single jump and are excellent swimmers.

Notes:

These guys were all along the river banks on our nature walk along Medina River. They were zipping through the water, hiding under rocks and other debris. They camouflage real well with there surrounds, especially since most of them are covered with mud. They weren't too concerned with my presence as they were with me stepping on them. They don't hesitate to get out of they way but they will stay put to let you look and snap shots.