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western chorus frog
western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
Photo provided by Wirepec/pond5.com
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
The western chorus frog averages three-fourths to one and one-half inches in length. It has three, broad, dark stripes down the back, and a dark stripe that runs from the snout to the groin and passes through the eye. A dark triangle or other dark coloring may be present between the eyes. A light line is found along the upper lip. The body color is gray, brown, green or olive.
BEHAVIORS
The western chorus frog may be found between interstate 70 and Illinois Route 13 in south-central Illinois. It lives in prairies, cultivated fields and urban areas. This small frog is seldom seen after the breeding season. It breeds March through May, often in temporary ponds. The male’s call is “crreek” or “prreep” which can be imitated by running a finger across the teeth of a comb. The female deposits about 100 eggs in clusters that are attached to objects in the water. Each female may deposit a total of 500 to 1,500 eggs. Eggs hatch in a few days. The tadpoles transform to the adult form in May and June. The western chorus frog eats small arthropods (spiders, insects, mites and others).
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Illinois Status: common, native
