Southern Chorus Frog

Scientific Name: Pseudacris nigrita
Classification: Nongame species
Range: Coastal Plain (blue)

Overview

The southern chorus frog is tan or gray with a prominent dark brown striped extending along each side of its body, from snout to groin. The back is patterned with three rows of dark spots and the belly is usually white. It has a white line above the upper lip, and a triangular spot between the eyes. 

Southern chorus frogs live in pine flatwoods, wet meadows, forested wetlands and wet roadside ditches in the Coastal Plain. They call primarily from January through March. They lay eggs in small clusters, attached to vegetation or other debris in shallow water. Tadpoles transform in about seven weeks. 

Like other chorus frogs, these frogs are rather short-lived; very few individuals live more than 2 or 3 years.

Call:

Southern chorus frogs call primarily from January through March. Their breeding call is a mechanical, rasping trill, which some say resembles the sound of a ratchet-type wrench.

Regulations

The Southern Chorus Frog is classified as a nongame species with no open season. It is unlawful for any person to take, or have in possession, any nongame mammal or bird unless that person has a collection license or is collecting fewer than 5 reptiles or fewer than 25 amphibians that are not endangered, threatened, or special concerned species.

Management

Wildlife Diversity Program Quarterly Reports

Related Links, Calls and Photos

Southern Chorus Frog. Photo: Jeff Beane

Have a Wildlife Problem?

There are no reported problems with this species.

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