Thousands Of Singing Spring Peepers Are A Welcome Sound Of Normalcy Here In Texas
We can all recognize the unmistakable sound of cicadas come summertime, but did you know there’s another critter with a similar call? Spring peepers are tiny, nocturnal frogs named for their distinct chirping noise used as a mating call. If you live in the eastern part of Texas, keep your ears peeled!
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The spring peeper, formally known as Pseudacris crucifer, is a small chorus frog located throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada. Its nickname comes from the chirping call used by the species to signify the beginning of spring.
Laying up to 1,000 eggs at a time, peepers remain tadpoles for two to three months before transforming into frogs. Breeding season is between October and June, depending on how warm temperatures are in the given area.
Spring peepers are divided into two different species: P. c. crucifer and P. c. bartramiana. The latter is located here in Texas, primarily in the Southeast along the Gulf Coast. The frogs can be found in counties north of the colored regions on this map, however, their numbers are much more sparse.
Females are typically lighter-colored, while males are smaller with dark throats. Both genders have large toe pads for climbing, although their preferred habitat is the forest floor of a woodland ecosystem.
To create their distinct sound, spring peepers have a vocal sac that expands and deflates like a balloon. Only males are capable of making the high-pitched sound, and they use it to attract mates.
You probably won't see too many spring peepers because they're nocturnal, emerging after dark to feed on small invertebrates like beetles, ants, flies, and spiders. Just keep an ear out, however, and you'll know their close, as the undeniable noise goes on day and night.
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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