Pseudacris crucifer
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Pseudacris crucifer |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
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| Wied-Neuwied , 1838 |
Pseudacris crucifer ,called Spring Peeper in English, belongsto the genus Pseudacris within the family of the tree frogs (Hylidae). The species was scientifically described in 1838 by the German scientist Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied .
features
Pseudacris crucifer reaches a body length of 1.9 to a maximum of 3.7 cm. The animal has a slim build. The basic color is light brown through greenish and olive to gray, the legs are striped darker. Between the eyes and the muzzle and across the head, there are also dark stripes arranged in a triangle. Characteristic is a roughly X-shaped cross on the back, which is darkly spotted in places. The large, golden-brown eyes have rounded or horizontally oval-shaped pupils. The frog's voice is high, the croaking occurs at repeated intervals of about one second.
Subspecies
There are two subspecies of Pseudacris crucifer :
- Pseudacris crucifer crucifer
- Pseudacris crucifer bartramiana
Way of life
Pseudacris crucifer leads a hidden way of life. Especially during the breeding season in spring, the frog can hardly be seen. He likes to stay in clear places with enough ground vegetation and is especially active during the day in damp and rainy weather. Cattle, roots, metal sheets or stones are sought out as hiding places. The tadpoles develop in stagnant water.
distribution
Pseudacris crucifer is distributed from southeastern Canada across the entire east coast of the United States to northern Florida . To the west, the border of its distribution area from East Texas runs relatively straight north to southeast Manitoba in Canada. The habitat are damp, near-water and marshy forest areas and alluvial forests.
Ecology and protection
Pseudacris crucifer occurs together with other members of the genera Pseudacris . The main threat is the draining of the swamps and wetlands. Since Pseudacris crucifer is comparatively adaptable, the populations are currently stable. The species is strongly represented in the natural biotopes and the World Conservation Union ( IUCN ) lists it as a “Least Concern”, ie not endangered.
swell
Individual evidence
literature
- Conant, Roger & Collins, Joseph T .: Reptiles and Amphibians - Eastern / Central North America , Peterson Field Guides. ISBN 978-0-395-90452-7 .
