Western Chorus Frog
Encyclopedia
The Western Chorus Frog, Striped Chorus Frog, or Midland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is a species
of tree frog
found in Canada
and the United States
.
side. The dorsal
stripes can be broken up, reduced or even absent in certain specimens. The white or cream colored underside or ventral side of the frog typically has dark scattered flecks. A single white stripe runs along the upper lip and a heavy dark stripe runs through the eye and along each side from snout to leg. A dark triangular shaped spot on the head may also be seen in some individuals. These frogs have small round toes without pads and very little webbing between each toe.
Typically, males are smaller than females and can be told apart from the females by the yellow vocal sac
when calling. When not calling, this sac looks like a dark loose flap of skin beneath the throat.
Tadpoles
of the western chorus frog have gray or brown bodies. The body shape of the tadpoles
is round with clear tail fins and dark flecks. It is said the intestinal coil can be seen through the belly skin if you are looking closely.
of the Southern Chorus Frog, P. nigrita, but was reclassified as its own species with four subspecies: P. t. triseriata, P. t. kalmi, P. t. maculata, and P. t. feriarum. The latter two have since been granted an independent species status.
to the Gulf of Mexico
, and New Jersey
to central Arizona
. The frogs lives from near sea-level to about 12000 ft (3,657.6 m) above sea-level and are capable of surviving temperatures as low as –8°C.
on eggs and/or tadpoles. In order to compensate for this, chorus frogs stick to mostly permanent freshwater areas, such as marshes, river swamps, meadows, grassy pools and other open areas found in mountains and prairies. The western chorus frog remains close to these permanent aquatic habitats, since they provide excellent mating, breeding and hibernation
grounds. Since these areas tend to dry out, these frogs can be, but are less commonly found in fallowed agricultural fields, damp woodlands, roadside ditches and wooded swamps.
. Males use a special call to attract several potential mates to breeding sites. The western chorus frog call can be heard from half a mile away. The call is a very distinct “cree-ee-ee—eeek”, but can be confused with the upland chorus frog. Calling can occur for ½–2 seconds and can occur 18–20 times in a minute. The higher the temperature the more frequent calls occur in a minute, (30–90 calls per minute). One can imitate the “cree-ee-eek” call of the western chorus frog by stroking the edge of a pocket comb.
The western chorus frog relies heavily on secrecy to keep themselves safe from predators. Any disturbances to the frogs environment, causes them to stop calling and dive into the depths of whatever water source they reside near, under leaf litter, logs, rocks, or loose soil. These terrestrial hiding spots serve, not only as hiding places, but as hibernation places for the frogs during the winter.
, midge
and springtails. Tadpoles are strictly herbivorous and forage on algae.
occurs at different times throughout the various states this frog resides in. Typically, western chorus frog’s breeding season starts in March through May with April being the most active month. However, breeding takes place earlier in southern parts and can vary through the frogs entire range. The earliest sign of western chorus frog breeding occurs with choruses heard on sunny days. Males call to potential females over the course of several days to months. As the season continues, these competing male choruses move to the evenings and cloudy rainy days. The life span of these frogs averages to five years.
After the mating has occurred, females can lay between 500-1500 eggs
during the entire breeding season. The female lays one cluster at a time, which can contain 20-300 eggs. The eggs are retained in a loose gelatinous cluster, submerged below the water and stuck to weeds or grasses. The grasses and weeds are found along the edges of shallow ponds, flooded swales, roadside ditches, flooded fields, open areas and swamps. The eggs will hatch into tadpoles between 3–14 days of being laid. However, water temperature can be a limiting factor in the growth of both eggs and tadpoles. Colder water temperatures prevent the tadpoles and eggs from growing. Tadpoles metamorphose
into froglets 40–90 days afterwards.
The western chorus frog plays an important role as an indicator species
. If deformities, reduction in reproductive success or changes in morphology
occur in either the larval or adult forms, it could indicate pollution or toxic substance in the environment. Therefore, the health of these frogs could be valuable in determining the health of ecosystems and if an agricultural practices have leaked any pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers into the environment. In addition, these frogs are excellent in controlling insect populations, thus further benefiting humans and the environment.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of tree frog
Tree frog
Hylidae is a wide-ranging family of frogs commonly referred to as "tree frogs and their allies". However, the hylids include a diversity of frog species, many of which do not live in trees, but are terrestrial or semi-aquatic.-Characteristics:...
found in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Description and Identification
Western chorus frogs are small (1.5 inch or about 40 mm), smooth skinned, greenish-grey, reddish, olive or brown colored frogs. These differences in color can occur locally and should not be confused for range specific populations. Typically, these frogs contain three dark brown or grey stripes which extend down the entire dorsalDorsum (biology)
In anatomy, the dorsum is the upper side of animals that typically run, fly, or swim in a horizontal position, and the back side of animals that walk upright. In vertebrates the dorsum contains the backbone. The term dorsal refers to anatomical structures that are either situated toward or grow...
side. The dorsal
Dorsum (biology)
In anatomy, the dorsum is the upper side of animals that typically run, fly, or swim in a horizontal position, and the back side of animals that walk upright. In vertebrates the dorsum contains the backbone. The term dorsal refers to anatomical structures that are either situated toward or grow...
stripes can be broken up, reduced or even absent in certain specimens. The white or cream colored underside or ventral side of the frog typically has dark scattered flecks. A single white stripe runs along the upper lip and a heavy dark stripe runs through the eye and along each side from snout to leg. A dark triangular shaped spot on the head may also be seen in some individuals. These frogs have small round toes without pads and very little webbing between each toe.
Typically, males are smaller than females and can be told apart from the females by the yellow vocal sac
Vocal sac
The vocal sac is the flexible membrane of skin possessed by most male frogs. The purpose of the vocal sac is usually as an amplification of their mating or advertisement call...
when calling. When not calling, this sac looks like a dark loose flap of skin beneath the throat.
Tadpoles
Tadpoles
Tadpoles are a psychedelic rock band formed in 1990 in New York City by Todd Parker , Michael Kite Audino and Josh Bracken In 1992, Nick Kramer , David Max and Andrew Jackson of the fledgling Manhattan group, Hit, joined the Tadpoles after putting Hit on hiatus.In 1993 Kite and Jackson left the...
of the western chorus frog have gray or brown bodies. The body shape of the tadpoles
Tadpoles
Tadpoles are a psychedelic rock band formed in 1990 in New York City by Todd Parker , Michael Kite Audino and Josh Bracken In 1992, Nick Kramer , David Max and Andrew Jackson of the fledgling Manhattan group, Hit, joined the Tadpoles after putting Hit on hiatus.In 1993 Kite and Jackson left the...
is round with clear tail fins and dark flecks. It is said the intestinal coil can be seen through the belly skin if you are looking closely.
Taxonomy
P. triseriata was once considered a subspeciesSubspecies
Subspecies in biological classification, is either a taxonomic rank subordinate to species, ora taxonomic unit in that rank . A subspecies cannot be recognized in isolation: a species will either be recognized as having no subspecies at all or two or more, never just one...
of the Southern Chorus Frog, P. nigrita, but was reclassified as its own species with four subspecies: P. t. triseriata, P. t. kalmi, P. t. maculata, and P. t. feriarum. The latter two have since been granted an independent species status.
Distribution
The chorus frog has a huge home range. Western chorus frogs live from CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
to the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
, and New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
to central Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. The frogs lives from near sea-level to about 12000 ft (3,657.6 m) above sea-level and are capable of surviving temperatures as low as –8°C.
Habitat
Western chorus frogs live in a variety of different habitats, but areas of less permanent water increases the risk of predationPredation
In ecology, predation describes a biological interaction where a predator feeds on its prey . Predators may or may not kill their prey prior to feeding on them, but the act of predation always results in the death of its prey and the eventual absorption of the prey's tissue through consumption...
on eggs and/or tadpoles. In order to compensate for this, chorus frogs stick to mostly permanent freshwater areas, such as marshes, river swamps, meadows, grassy pools and other open areas found in mountains and prairies. The western chorus frog remains close to these permanent aquatic habitats, since they provide excellent mating, breeding and hibernation
Hibernation
Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in animals, characterized by lower body temperature, slower breathing, and lower metabolic rate. Hibernating animals conserve food, especially during winter when food supplies are limited, tapping energy reserves, body fat, at a slow rate...
grounds. Since these areas tend to dry out, these frogs can be, but are less commonly found in fallowed agricultural fields, damp woodlands, roadside ditches and wooded swamps.
Behavior
Due to their nocturnal and secretive nature, these frogs are rarely seen. The best time to see western chorus frogs is on warm nights when they come out to call. Both males and females call in large chorusesChoir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
. Males use a special call to attract several potential mates to breeding sites. The western chorus frog call can be heard from half a mile away. The call is a very distinct “cree-ee-ee—eeek”, but can be confused with the upland chorus frog. Calling can occur for ½–2 seconds and can occur 18–20 times in a minute. The higher the temperature the more frequent calls occur in a minute, (30–90 calls per minute). One can imitate the “cree-ee-eek” call of the western chorus frog by stroking the edge of a pocket comb.
The western chorus frog relies heavily on secrecy to keep themselves safe from predators. Any disturbances to the frogs environment, causes them to stop calling and dive into the depths of whatever water source they reside near, under leaf litter, logs, rocks, or loose soil. These terrestrial hiding spots serve, not only as hiding places, but as hibernation places for the frogs during the winter.
Diet
Western chorus frogs not only come out at night to chorus, but also to feed. The diet of an adult consists of small invertebrates and arthropods, like flies, mosquitos, ants, small beetles, moths and caterpillars, grasshoppers and spiders. Froglets (the transition or metamorphic phase between tadpole and frog) will feed on smaller prey like mitesMITES
MITES, or Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science, is a highly selective six-week summer program for rising high school seniors held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its purpose is to expose students from minority, or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds, to the fields of...
, midge
Midge
A midge is a very small, two-winged flying insect. "Midge" may also refer to:-Real:* Midge Costanza , American politician* Mildred Gillars , aka "Midge", American broadcaster of Nazi propaganda during World War II...
and springtails. Tadpoles are strictly herbivorous and forage on algae.
Reproduction
BreedingBreeding in the wild
Breeding in the wild is the natural process of animal reproduction occurring in the natural habitat of a given species. This terminology is distinct from animal husbandry or breeding of species in captivity...
occurs at different times throughout the various states this frog resides in. Typically, western chorus frog’s breeding season starts in March through May with April being the most active month. However, breeding takes place earlier in southern parts and can vary through the frogs entire range. The earliest sign of western chorus frog breeding occurs with choruses heard on sunny days. Males call to potential females over the course of several days to months. As the season continues, these competing male choruses move to the evenings and cloudy rainy days. The life span of these frogs averages to five years.
After the mating has occurred, females can lay between 500-1500 eggs
Egg (biology)
An egg is an organic vessel in which an embryo first begins to develop. In most birds, reptiles, insects, molluscs, fish, and monotremes, an egg is the zygote, resulting from fertilization of the ovum, which is expelled from the body and permitted to develop outside the body until the developing...
during the entire breeding season. The female lays one cluster at a time, which can contain 20-300 eggs. The eggs are retained in a loose gelatinous cluster, submerged below the water and stuck to weeds or grasses. The grasses and weeds are found along the edges of shallow ponds, flooded swales, roadside ditches, flooded fields, open areas and swamps. The eggs will hatch into tadpoles between 3–14 days of being laid. However, water temperature can be a limiting factor in the growth of both eggs and tadpoles. Colder water temperatures prevent the tadpoles and eggs from growing. Tadpoles metamorphose
Métamorphose
"Métamorphose" - a song by French singer Amanda Lear released in 1989 by Carrere Records.- Song information :"Métamorphose" was the first single from Amanda's French-Italian album Tant qu'il y aura des hommes. The album was actually a re-release of Uomini più uomini, and consisted mostly of down-...
into froglets 40–90 days afterwards.
Conservation Concern and Ecological Role
Although quite adaptable and tolerant to human activity, western chorus populations are declining in certain areas. Labeled as in least concern on the IUCN list, the US Federal List has the species labeled as no special status.The western chorus frog plays an important role as an indicator species
Indicator species
An indicator species is any biological species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment. For example, a species may delineate an ecoregion or indicate an environmental condition such as a disease outbreak, pollution, species competition or climate change...
. If deformities, reduction in reproductive success or changes in morphology
Morphology (biology)
In biology, morphology is a branch of bioscience dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features....
occur in either the larval or adult forms, it could indicate pollution or toxic substance in the environment. Therefore, the health of these frogs could be valuable in determining the health of ecosystems and if an agricultural practices have leaked any pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers into the environment. In addition, these frogs are excellent in controlling insect populations, thus further benefiting humans and the environment.