Upland chorus frog

Upland chorus frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Pseudacris
Species:	P. feriarum
Binomial name
Pseudacris feriarum Baird, 1854
Synonyms
Pseudacris triseriata feriarum

The upland chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum) is a species of chorus frog found in the United States. It was recently separated from the Western chorus frog, (Pseudacris triseriata), being identified as an individual species rather than a subspecies.

Habitat

Within their range, this species is found in a variety of habitats that include: swampy areas of broad valleys, grassy swales, moist areas of woodlands and borders of heavily vegetated ponds.

Description

Upland chorus frogs are usually brown, grey-brown, or reddish-brown in color, with darker blotching. They grow from 0.75–1.5 inches (1.9–3.8 cm) in size.

Geographic distribution

Found in the southern and eastern United States, the upland chorus frog is found from the state of New Jersey to the Florida panhandle; west to eastern Texas and southeast Oklahoma.

Behavior

Upland chorus frogs are secretive, nocturnal frogs, and are rarely seen (or heard) except immediately after rains. They are an almost entirely terrestrial species, and found in a variety of habitats, but usually moderately moist, vegetated areas, not far from a permanent water source. Like most frogs, they are insectivorous. Breeding occurs throughout the year, but most frequently during the cooler, more rainy periods from November to March. Eggs are laid in clusters of 60 or so, in water and attached to vegetation. The female can lay upwards of 1,000 eggs at a time.

Conservation status

The upland chorus frog is listed as a protected species in the state of New Jersey, primarily due to habitat destruction. Because of its restrictive habitat preferences, this species is declining in several states, particularly in areas where roadside ditches and other ephemeral pools are being drained or destroyed for new developments.

References

• Geoffrey Hammerson (2008). "Pseudacris feriarum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008: e.T55893A11375015. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T55893A11375015.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021. Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.
• IUCN RangeMap: Pseudacris feriarum
• Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries: Upland Chorus Frog
• Frogs and Toads of Georgia: Upland Chorus Frog

External links

• Brazos Bend State Park:   Flora and Fauna  /  Amphibians  /  Upland Chorus Frog
• North Carolina Nature: Upland Chorus Frog