Acris gryllus Southern Cricket Frog
Hopkins Prairie, Ocala National Forest, Marion County, FloridaMarch 1, 2004
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus) Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus) Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)
When we first arrived at Hopkins Prairie, the morning cloud cover had disobeyed the weather forecast and stayed put, leaving the day a little chilly and dull. Not great herp weather, but we were greeted by the chirping chorus of dozens of these tiny frogs. Walking near the edge of ponds and marshes, there were froglets galore leaping for their liquid shelter.
Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Charlton County, GeorgiaMay 2, 2004
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)
I saw just a few of these along the edge of a roadside pond, eager to leap for safety in the water.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, Escambia County, FloridaApril 6, 2010
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)
It's difficult to tell Southern Cricket Frogs apart from their Northern cousins, and both species live in this area. I think this little tyke is A. gryllus based on the small amount of webbing visible on its hind feet, and its relatively pointy snout. Another diagnostic character is a stripe on the thigh, but you can only see that if you have the frog in hand and make it stretch out its back leg, which I did not do.
Ochlockonee River State Park, Wakulla County, FloridaApril 9, 2011
Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)
They are nervous little guys, always eager to jump into the nearest body of water (which is typically close nearby).
Online references:
Printed references: