Cricket Frog
Acris crepitans
Image by Kimberly Scott
Description
Smooth skin with small warts. Background may be tan, light grey, or green. Some vary in color with neutral backgrounds and patches of rust, greens on the back and legs. Rear legs usually banded. They often have a v-shape between the eyes on the head.
Stats
Size
¾ - 1 ¼ inches
Status
Common in central and southern Indiana but uncommon in the north
Similar Species
Spring peeper, Chorus frog
Diet
Small arachnids, arthropods
Habitat
Shallow edges of creeks, ponds, lakes, swamps, and other wetlands with aquatic vegetation
Reproduction
Breeding is anytime in late spring and summer. Males will call with loud series of clicks in and around the edges of water sources. The call sounds like rocks or marbles being tapped together. Males often call on hot humid evenings. Hundreds of eggs are adhered to vegetation and soon develop into tiny tadpoles.