Where’s Wildlife · Frog & Toad Field Guide
Pseudacris crucifer
Pronounced (approx.): SOO-duh-kris KROO-sih-fer
A tiny woodland frog with a cross-shaped back mark and a far-carrying spring voice.
Spring Peeper. Select the photo to browse the gallery.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Lengths are snout to vent; season and activity vary with weather and location.
Dark diagonal lines usually suggest an X on the back
Small tan, brown, gray or pinkish body
Toe pads and a pointed-looking snout
Compare views, markings and body shapes in the photographs below.
Look for the diagonal X rather than three lengthwise stripes. The cross may be incomplete or faint, so include body shape and toe pads.
Chorus Frogs usually show lengthwise stripes and a pale lip. Gray treefrogs have a pale patch under each eye and a different mottled back pattern.
Moist woods and vegetation around woodland pools and wetlands. Adults feed on small insects and spiders. Often heard at spring breeding pools, day or night.
Males call from low vegetation or at the water’s surface early in the year. Eggs attach singly to submerged material. After the tadpole stage, young frogs move into nearby vegetation, where adults can be difficult to find outside breeding season.
The name crucifer refers to the cross-like back marking.
Tiny callers can be well concealed around a noisy pool.
Seasonal woodland pools can also serve as breeding sites.
Widespread in eastern North America, including much of the Great Lakes region. Local occurrence depends on moist terrestrial habitat connected to suitable breeding water. Observation maps show reported encounters, not the entire range.
Explore reported sightings on iNaturalist. Observation records are not a complete range map.