Boreal Chorus Frog

Taxobox | name = Boreal Chorus Frog
status = LC

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regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Hylidae
genus = "Pseudacris"
species = "P. maculata"
binomial = "Pseudacris maculata"
binomial_authority = Agassiz, 1850

The Boreal Chorus Frog, ("Pseudacris maculata") is a species of chorus frog native to Canada from the west of Lake Superior to western Alberta and north to the North West Territories. It occurs in the USA throughout Montana, northwestern Wisconsin, northeastern Arizona, northern New Mexico and southwestern Utah.

Physical description

This is a small species of frog, reaching about 30mm in length. It is highly variable however it is normally brown, but can be green on the dorsal surface, with 3 broken dorsal stripes, these stripes can be very distinct to quite faint. The is a dark band present from the snout, through the eye and continuing down the side. It has slightly enlarged toes discs to help in climbing small grasses and vegetation. This species is very similar Western Chorus Frog, ("Pseudacris triseriata"). It can be distinguished from this species by having shorter legs.

Ecology and behaviour

This species can be found around permanent water bodies in cleared land and forest. Males make a "reeeek" call from grasses, vegetation or ground around the water body from April through to September. This is normally one of the first species of amphibian to emerge in spring, it is often found while snow and ice are still present.

References

* [http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/chorus.htm Chorus Frogs]
* [http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/references.php?id=5199 Amphibian Species of the World]