Spring Peeper
Widespread throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Prefers permanent ponds due to its advantage in avoiding predation. In northern regions, the Peeper is able to endure below freezing temperatures due to the capacity of its liver to exude and flush the bloodstream with a glucose cryoprotectant which acts both as an anti-freeze in its blood, and allows organs like the heart to enter into a state of protected dormancy.
The peeper earned its name from its chirping call, which marks the beginning of spring. An audio file can be played below.
Crucifer is derived from the Latin root meaning “cross-bearing”, a reference to the cross-like pattern on the spring peeper’s dorsal side (as in the photo).
Location: Forest near the Rideau Lakes, Ontario
Camera: iPhone 16 Max Pro (macro mode)
Notes: this was a very tiny frog. I would not have noticed it at all except it jumped by my foot while I sat down. 13mm at the most.
