ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Cricket Frog

 Eastern Cricket Frog

eastern cricket frog
Cricket frogs are generally restricted to the western two-thirds of Ohio where they inhabit the shores of sparsely vegetated permanent ponds and streams. 

Scientifically speaking, only members of the Ranidae family are true frogs. In Ohio, this includes the bullfrog, green frog, leopard frog, pickerel frog, and wood frog. The others belong to the Hylidae family which includes the tree, chorus, and cricket frog. In general, frogs tend to have moist, relatively smooth skin and leap.

Eastern Cricket Frog
Acris crepitans crepitans

At-a-Glance

• Family: Hylidae (Treefrogs)

• Length: 0.625-1.5 inches

• Typical Foods: insects, including mosquitos

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern 
Description
Although similar in size to its close relative the chorus frog, the cricket frog has warty skin and a dark triangle between the eyes.  Because its color is influenced by its surroundings, there tends to be much variation in color and pattern.  It tends to get lighter in color in bright light, high temperature, and/or a dry atmosphere.  Unlike other memebrs of the treefrog family, which have broad rounded toe disks, cricket frogs' toe disks are no wider than the width of the tips of their toes.

Habitat and Habits
This frog inhabits weed-choked permanent ponds and streams. It is active in very early spring, but does not begin its courtship serenade until late spring or early summer. Its call consists of a series of sharp clicking notes similar to the sound of someone tapping two marbles together in rapid succession.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
In the spring and summer, the male frog begins to make its metallic gick, gick call that females respond to. After egg laying and fertilization, tadpoles with unique black tipped tails are born. Metamorphosis occurs between July and August.