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Distribution of the Blanchard's Cricket Frog in Ohio.
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An adult Blanchard's Cricket Frog.
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Species Description: Length - 1.6 to 3.8 cm (5/8 to 1 1/2 inches). Dark triangle between the eyes, a jagged dark line on the back of each thigh, and a light line between the eyes and shoulders. The back is brown, gray, or olive. Some red or green markings appear on the back of some individuals. Distinct scattered warts on the back. The belly is white. Viewed from the side, the upper jaw extends beyond the lower.
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Habitat: Uses
open sunny areas along the shore of rivers, creeks, and ponds where algae and
emergent vegetation are abundant.
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Reproductive Activity: Chorusing
begins in late April or May and continues into July. Advertisement call is
a series of clicks lasting five to eight seconds. Sounds like a Geiger
Counter or marbles being tapped together. Full chorus sounds like sleigh
bells. Tadpoles are larger than adults and have a distinctive black tail
tip. Metamorphosis occurs four to six weeks after hatching.
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Ohio Distribution: Occurs
in the western 2/3 of Ohio. Appears to be more common in southwestern Ohio
than in other parts of the state.
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Status: This
species is declining rapidly across much of its entire range. In northern
Ohio it appears to be less abundant today than in the past. No apparent
declines in southern Ohio have been noted to this point.
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