A spring peeper photo by Steve Roble
By Stephen Living/DWR
The sure signs of approaching spring are everywhere. Early wildflowers are blooming, tender green leaves are uncurling from the buds and tundra swans and Canada geese can be heard overhead as they wing their way north. Another sure sign of spring across Virginia is the emergence of amphibians!
In some parts of Virginia, amphibians may be active through much of the year as weather allows, but once things start to warm up frogs, toads and salamanders across the state get active. Virginia is home to 87 species of amphibian, 32 of which are considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan. There are number of species that are relatively common that you can enjoy seeing and hearing near your home.
Loud choruses of spring peepers are ringing out from small ponds, wooded swamps, ditches, and grassy swales across Virginia. These are one of the first amphibians to emerge from hibernation and a classic sign of spring. These tiny frogs are more often heard than seen. Careful scanning along the vegetation on the edges of wetland might reveal a ¾- to 1 ¼-inch long, light brown frog with a darker cross-shaped mark on its back. This marking gives the animal its scientific name, Pseudacris crucifer.
Virginia has six species of tree frogs. The green tree frog is found throughout eastern Virginia and can often be heard and seen on rainy nights. They are sometimes attracted to lights, where they hunt for insects, and it’s not uncommon to see them on windows or glass doors. While generally bright green above, these frogs can change color depending on their environment and can appear light brown or darker green. We also have two species of gray tree frogs: gray tree frogs and Cope’s gray tree frogs. Don’t be fooled by names, as all three of these masters of disguise can change their color change and often appear green! These species appear nearly identical and can only be told apart by their calls. On rainy nights their trills can echo across the landscape. Like their green cousins, they’ll also hang out by lights to feed on insects.