Skip to Main Content

Upland Chorus Frog

Fact File

Scientific Name: Pseudacris feriarum

Classification: Amphibian

Size: Up to 1.5 inches

Identifying Characteristics

The background color is brown or gray and the pattern can be variable, but typically with some parallel striping and spotting. Most have a dark triangle between the eyes with a light line on the upper jaw and a dark stripe through the eye extending along the side toward the groin. The belly is usually cream-colored but often with dark stippling on the breast.

Distribution:

Primarily a Coastal Plain species with scattered records throughout the Piedmont and Mountain regions. They are rarely found in thick forested areas, preferring more open canopy habitats, including flooded power-lines, farm fields, roadside ditches, cutovers, vernal ponds, and sinkhole ponds.

Did You Know?

Sometimes calls when air temperatures are below freezing.

Role in the Web of Life

This species breeds from February-May in ephemeral wetlands in open grassy areas, cutovers, powerline corridors, roadside ditches, and open pine savannas. Their advertisement call is a regularly repeated creek or prreep, which is similar to the call of a Southern Chorus Frog, but individual pulses of the latter cannot be counted. A single female may deposit more than 500 eggs throughout a single breeding season.

Conservation

Species appears to be secure in Virginia.

Last updated: January 22, 2024

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.