Northern Spring Peeper

Description:

These tiny frogs are considered to be harbingers of spring. However, it's autumn now in Connecticut, which means this frog is most likely getting ready to seek shelter in an underground burrow or in leaf litter where it will spend the winter. They are able to survive being frozen because their bodies produce a natural anti-freeze, which protects them during the frigid winter months. Physically, this frog had very light tan skin with slightly darker markings, including a distinctive X-shaped mark on its back. They can darken or lighten their skin color to better camouflage themselves in only a few minutes. This one was only about 1.5cm long - see the picture of it next to an acorn for size comparison.

Habitat:

Spotted on the forest floor in a deciduous forest.