Northern Cricket Frog

Fact File

Scientific Name: Acris crepitans

Classification: Amphibian

Size: Between 0.6 to 1.5 inches

Distribution: This frog is a piedmont species. It is usually not found in coastal areas except along river valleys and in the sandhills, and it is very local in major valleys in the mountains. It does not occur east of the Suffolk escarpment. This frog prefers open grassy margins of ponds, ditches, and marshy areas.

Identifying Characteristics

One of the smallest frogs in Virginia. This frog has a highly variable back pattern and a dark, ragged edged stripe on its thigh. The hind leg is relatively short when extended. Only the first and second toes are extensively webbed. Toe pads are absent.

Call

It has a call of “gick, gick, gick” like two marbles being clicked together slowly at first, then becoming more rapid.

Did You Know?

To escape predators, Cricket Frogs can jump more than three feet!

Role in the Web of Life

This frog is primarily a Piedmont species. It is usually not found in coastal areas except along river valleys and is localized in the valleys of western Virginia. Primarily breeds from April-August in a variety of shallow freshwater habitats. Females may deposit up to 400 eggs. Tadpoles metamorphose in 30-90 days.

Last updated: March 23, 2021