Spring Peeper

Identifying Fea​​tures

• 1 to 1.5 inches long; dark “X” shape on its back.
• Generally common, even in suburban and agricultural areas.
• Use temporary and permanent ponds, marshes, floodings, and ditches for breeding.
• Disperse into woodlands and shrubby areas.
• Over-winter beneath logs, bark, and fallen leaves – survive subfreezing temperatures by producing a glucose-based antifreeze that causes ice to form in the extra-cellular spaces rather than in body cells.
• Secretive nature, cryptic coloration, and early breeding reduces contact with many potential predators.

Ca​​ll

• “Peep, peep” used as a mating call; trilled “peeeeeeeeeeeeeep” as an aggressive spacing call.

Bree​ding

• Begin calling in mid-March to early April.
• “Satellite males” do not call, but remain near a calling male and intercept an approaching female.
• Most breeding occurs in April.
• Eggs are laid singly or in small clusters, usually in rows attached to twigs or aquatic vegetation.  750-1300 eggs are laid.

Developme​nt

• Eggs hatch in 4-15 days and tadpoles transform into frogs 45-90 days later. 
• Sexual maturity is reached in 1 year.  Few reach their third breeding season.

Habitat ​Type

• Permanent wetlands.
• Forests.
• Grasslands and savannas.