Ohio Frog and Toad Calling Survey

Blanchard's Cricket Frog

(Acris crepitans blanchardi)

Distribution of the Blanchard's Cricket Frog in Ohio.

An adult Blanchard's Cricket Frog.

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.
Habitat: Uses open sunny areas along the shore of rivers, creeks, and ponds where algae and emergent vegetation are abundant. 
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.
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.
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.

Last modified:
Saturday, March 26, 2005

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