Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This one was found under a stack of plywood with a Gulf coast toad and a narrowmouth. It hpped away at the last second leaving me with a photo of the latter two. Dang it I had all three in frame and the other pic came out as good as this one. It always happens when you have THE picture or it is out of focus! No idea what this one is, Calhoun county, Texas, 11-21-07 at around 11:15 a.m. preceding the front.

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Todd Hughes

Todd,

That is one of two species...

It is either an ugly Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii) or an aberrant Striped Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata). I don't think P.triseriata makes it down that far on the coast but I am not sure. P. clarkii is common along the Texas coast, so my best guess is P. clarkii.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks, Chris, I don't know what I'm gonna do when I stumble on a salamander!
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Todd Hughes

Well, considering how few salamanders are likely to be found around you, it shouldn't be too tough !

Chris
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

I was thinking of the Guadelupe delta, surely I will run into something up that way! Someday, lol!
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Todd Hughes

Todd,

It is definitly a Chorus Frog. Not positive as to which one. I am not aware of any records of the Striped Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) occuring in Calhoun County. The Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii) does occur in Calhoun County and is abundant in places. Then we also have Strecker's Chorus Frog (Pseudacris streckeri streckeri) which also is known to occur in Calhoun County, but I don't think this is a Strecker's as they tend to have a somewhat more plump body and their forelegs are stumpy looking. Most likely, it is going to be a Spotted Chorus Frog (Pseudacris clarkii) but I am not 100% certain.

The next time you turn up one of these guys....give it a bath before you photograph it...maybe it won't look so ugly!
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Gerald Keown
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research
www.southwesternherp.com

well, we have it down to a striped or spotted chorus frog. I guess I will bring a little squirt gun with me!
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Todd Hughes

Todd,

I’m going to have agree with Chris and Gerald that your frog is definitely a Pseudacris. However, it’s much darker than any P. clarkii I’ve ever seen.

Since Dixon (2000) has a record from San Patricio County, even farther south, I’m going to guess that it’s a P. triseriata/P. feriarum (depending on whose taxonomy you believe). If that’s the case, they should be breeding within a few weeks, if the rains continue.

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Tom Lott

Thornscrub

Herp Conservation Unlimited

What would be the clue to look for in id'ing these frogs? I guess that is why I have so much trouble, I only run across a few of the smaller species and there are always subs. Toads are easy compared to these guys!
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Todd Hughes