This article explores the fascinating world of frogs in Pennsylvania, offering insights into ten different species found within the state. From the impressive American Bullfrog, weighing up to 1.5 pounds, to the elusive Upland Chorus Frog, these diverse creatures provide a special glimpse into Pennsylvania’s vibrant ecosystem. Discover the Northern Leopard Frog near slow-moving bodies of water, the Green Frog’s wide variety of prey, the distinctive calls of the Spring Peeper, and the color-changing abilities of the Gray Treefrog. Additionally, learn about the poisonous Pickerel Frog, the resilient Wood Frog that can survive freezing temperatures, the elusive Western Chorus Frog with its unique call, the awe-inspiring jumping abilities of the Northern Cricket Frog, and the rarely-seen Upland Chorus Frog in its moist habitats. Join in this exploration of the captivating world of Pennsylvania’s frogs.
American Bullfrog
Description
The American Bullfrog is the largest frog found in Pennsylvania, growing up to 1.5 pounds. They have a stout body and smooth skin. Their coloration varies from green to brown, with darker spots and blotches. These frogs also have a large, flat head and powerful hind legs, enabling them to jump long distances.
Habitat
American Bullfrogs can be found in various aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with ample vegetation and abundant food sources. These frogs are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from clean to polluted.
Diet
As opportunistic predators, American Bullfrogs have a varied diet. They feed on insects, crustaceans, small fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even small mammals. These voracious eaters have a quick strike-and-swallow feeding strategy, using their strong jaws and sticky tongue to capture their prey.
Northern Leopard Frogs
Description
Northern Leopard Frogs have a distinct appearance. They have a green or brown coloration with numerous dark spots, resembling leopard patterns. Their bodies are relatively slim, and they have long hind legs, enabling them to be proficient jumpers.
Habitat
These frogs are commonly found near slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, marshes, and wetlands. They prefer habitats with ample vegetation, as it provides shelter and hunting opportunities. However, their populations have been declining due to habitat loss and pollution.
Population
Northern Leopard Frog populations have been facing significant declines in recent years. The loss of wetlands, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species have all contributed to their diminishing numbers. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and restore their populations.
Green Frogs
Description
Green Frogs are abundant and easy to spot in Pennsylvania. They have a bright green coloration on their backs, which helps them blend in with aquatic vegetation. Their bellies are usually white or yellow, and they have prominent eardrums behind their eyes.
Habitat
These frogs inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, including ponds, lakes, streams, and even ditches. They are adaptable to both freshwater and brackish water. Green Frogs prefer areas with abundant vegetation and ample basking spots.
Feeding Habits
Green Frogs are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of prey. Their diet consists of insects, small fish, tadpoles, small crustaceans, and even small mammals or birds if given the opportunity. They are sit-and-wait predators, patiently waiting for their prey to approach before striking.
Spring Peepers
Description
Spring Peepers are small frogs known for their distinctive call. They have a tan or brown coloration, with a darker “X” marking on their backs. These frogs have sticky pads on their toes to help them climb and cling to vegetation.
Distribution
Spring Peepers can be found throughout Pennsylvania, as well as in other parts of the United States and Canada. They are particularly abundant in forested areas and wetlands. These frogs are known for their seasonal migration to breeding ponds.
Vocalization
One of the defining features of Spring Peepers is their vocalization. They emit a high-pitched, peeping sound that resembles the ringing of jingle bells. These calls serve to attract mates during the breeding season and can be heard from a considerable distance.
Gray Treefrogs
Description
Gray Treefrogs are medium-sized frogs with a unique ability to change colors. They have a gray or greenish-gray coloration, often blending in with their surroundings. These frogs have large, bulbous eyes and sticky toe pads for climbing.
Habitat
These treefrogs are commonly found in wooded habitats, including forests, swamps, and urban areas with trees. They have an arboreal lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time on trees and shrubs. Gray Treefrogs are nocturnal and become more active during warm and humid nights.
Color-changing Abilities
Gray Treefrogs have the remarkable ability to change their color to match their surroundings. This adaptation helps them camouflage and avoid predation. They can transition from a greenish hue to a gray or mottled brown color, depending on the environment they are in.
Pickerel Frogs
Description
Pickerel Frogs are medium-sized frogs with a distinctive appearance. They have a light brown or greenish-brown coloration with rectangular dark spots on their backs. These frogs have a streamlined body and prominent ridges running down their sides.
Toxicity
Pickerel Frogs are the only poisonous frogs native to Pennsylvania. They secrete toxins through their skin, which can cause irritation or poisoning in potential predators. However, the potency of their toxins is relatively low compared to some tropical frog species.
Distribution
Pickerel Frogs are widely distributed throughout Pennsylvania. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They are adaptable to both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Wood Frogs
Description
Wood Frogs are medium-sized frogs with a unique adaptation for survival. They have a dark brown or reddish-brown coloration with a dark mask-like marking on their faces. These frogs have a stocky body and a slightly pointed snout.
Adaptation
One of the remarkable adaptations of Wood Frogs is their ability to freeze over the winter. They can tolerate freezing temperatures by producing high concentrations of glucose in their tissues, which acts as a natural antifreeze. This allows them to survive even when their bodies become partially frozen.
Emergence Patterns
Wood Frogs are among the first frogs to emerge in spring after the winter freeze. They are typically seen and heard near vernal pools, which are temporary bodies of water formed by melting snow or rain. These frogs congregate to breed and lay their eggs in these pools.
Western Chorus Frogs
Description
Western Chorus Frogs, also known as Spring Peepers, are small frogs with a unique call. They have a tan or brown coloration, often with a dark stripe running through their eye. These frogs have adhesive toe pads for climbing.
Difficulty in Spotting
Despite their small size, Western Chorus Frogs can be challenging to spot. They are well-camouflaged and blend in with their surroundings. Additionally, their small size and secretive nature make them difficult to locate in dense vegetation or near the edge of water bodies.
Vocalization
Western Chorus Frogs are known for their loud and distinctive call. The males produce a series of short, high-pitched trills that resemble the sound of running a finger along the teeth of a comb. These calls can be heard in the early spring during their breeding season.
Northern Cricket Frogs
Description
Northern Cricket Frogs are small-sized frogs with a slender body. They have a light green or tan coloration, often with darker blotches or spots. These frogs have long legs and webbed feet, which aid in their jumping ability.
Jumping Ability
Despite their small size, Northern Cricket Frogs are exceptional jumpers. They can cover distances of over 3 feet in a single leap. This unique ability helps them evade predators and explore a wide range of habitats.
Habitat
Northern Cricket Frogs prefer habitats with shallow water, such as marshes, wetlands, and the edges of freshwater streams. They are commonly found in areas with abundant vegetation and hidden in dense grasses or around aquatic plants.
Upland Chorus Frogs
Description
Upland Chorus Frogs are small frogs with a slender body and smooth skin. They have a light brown or greenish coloration, often with darker markings or stripes. These frogs have long legs and sticky toe pads for climbing.
Rare Sightings
Upland Chorus Frogs are not commonly seen in Pennsylvania. They have a limited distribution and tend to inhabit specific moist habitats. They are often hidden among grasses, leaf litter, or shrubs, making them elusive to spot.
Preferred Habitats
These chorus frogs prefer moist habitats such as meadows, prairies, and wet grasslands. They require areas with ample vegetation and nearby water sources. Upland Chorus Frogs use their calls to communicate and attract mates during the breeding season.
