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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University. Site last updated: 05/21/07.
Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps; Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo
New Jersey Chorus Frog
(Pseudacris feriarum kalmi)
Description
The New Jersey chorus frog has various colorations including olive, pale green, dull gray and light to dark brown. New Jersey chorus frogs have three characteristic dark brown or black dorsal stripes that are broad and easily identifiable. The middle stripe typically forks. This chorus frog subspecies also displays a variable dark lateral stripe that extends from the snout to the groin, passing through the eye. Some New Jersey chorus frogs exhibit a dark triangular marking or spot between their eyes. The underside is normally an off-white color with occasional spots. New Jersey chorus frogs are commonly more robust than other chorus frogs. The head and body length ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 inches (1.9 to 3.5 cm). Some distinguished herpetologists have researched various aspects of New Jersey chorus frogs and concluded that this chorus frog subspecies should be considered a full species. Based on electrophoretic analyses, Hedges (1986) proposed the Pseudacris feriarum kalmi be elevated to full species. Platz and Forester (1988) also support this view based on call analyses.
Habitat
New Jersey chorus frogs inhabit forest swamps, wet meadows, and shallow pools along streams, ditches, and canals. Other habitats include notably dry fields or areas that have been encroached by humans such as suburban developments and even large cities.
Breeding
In Maryland, the New Jersey chorus frog breeds during February and March. In other geographical ranges, breeding occurs from February through early April. Although New Jersey chorus frogs can survive in dry habitats, shallow pools or bodies of water are necessary for successful breeding. Within the shallow bodies of water, females lay 20 to 150 eggs at a time, which are attached to submerged vegetation. The fertilized eggs hatch within five to twenty days and tadpoles transform into frogs in forty to sixty days.
Distribution in Maryland
Range map adapted from Harris, 1975.