Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
	Like other Chorus Frogs Spring Peepers are small, rarely attaining 1.5" in length.  This species is common in most of eastern North America but in Essex County its range is limited to the south and southeast, especially in and around Point Pelee National Park.  A few sporatic records in other parts of the county are likely escapees or released individuals since a breeding colony of this species would be quite loud and easily found.  It can be distinguished from the Midland Chorus Frog by its pattern, it has a charicteristic "X" on its back whereas the Chorus Frog has more elongated blotching.  The call is also different, it emits a series of simple and surprisingly load PEEP's spread out about every second or so but they also make a short trill noise every so often, usually when another male gets too close to its territory.  Like the Midland Chorus Frog this species also emerges from hibernation early and is among the first frogs to be heard calling in Spring and like the Chorus Frog it too can also be difficult to find despite the obvious presence of numerous calling individuals..
			Photo taken near Wheatley.
		Photo taken near Wheatley.
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