Family Hylidae – Treefrogs

Ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata)

• Description: 1-1 1/2 inches; somewhat plump; color ranging from pinkish brown to green; dark triangle between eyes; two relatively large, irregular dark stripes on back; dark stripe from snout through eye, on sides, and near groin.

• Distribution: Southeastern counties south and east of Hattiesburg, but rather local within that range.

• Breeding period: December or January to late March, usually following heavy rains.

• Breeding sites: Shallow temporary ponds, roadside ditches.

• Voice: High pitched, metallic "peep," similar to the call of the spring peeper but more sharply abbreviated.

• Comments: Recorded by Paul E. Moler near Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida. Spring peeper calling in background.