New_Jersey_Chorus_Frog_2 © Jake Scott
New_Jersey_Chorus_Frog_3 © Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Fact File
Scientific Name: Pseudacris kalmi
Classification: Amphibian
Conservation Status:
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 4a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Size: Up to 1.5 inches
Identifying Characteristics
Typically a brown or grayish frog with dark broad parallel stripes on the back more or less evident. A broad dark stripe extends along the side from the snout through the eye to the groin. There is a white line along the upper lip extending posteriorly to the shoulder. The belly is whitish, and may have speckling on the breast.
Distribution:
In Virginia, this species only occurs on the Eastern Shore where it reaches the southern end of its range. It inhabits wet woods, ponds, ditches and mixed wooded habitats near freshwater breeding sites.
Did You Know?
The New Jersey Chorus Frog was once considered a subspecies of the Upland Chorus Frog.
Role in the Web of Life
One of the first frogs to begin calling on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This harbinger of spring breeds from February-April in ditches, wet woods, grassy swales and shallow pools. Their advertisement call is a clear trill similar to that of the Upland Chorus Frog. Eggs are typically laid in small clusters on stems or emergent vegetation.
Conservation
Tier IV Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan
Last updated: January 22, 2024
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