Spring Peeper

(Pseudacris c. crucifer)

NH Conservation Status: Not listed

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH

Description: A small .75"-1.5" tan, brown, or gray frog with a dark “X” marking across the back. This species is seldom seen but often heard singing in chorus during evening hours.

Commonly Confused Species: Gray treefrog

Habitat: Often found in wet wooded areas often near swamps or ponds.  Also found in fields, meadows, and forests.

Life History: Up to 1000 eggs are attached individually to submerged vegetation in breeding pools. Hibernates on land under moss and matted leaves.

Voice: High-pitched, ascending whistle or peep

Conservation Threats: Species is secure

Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH

Spring peeper call - click "play" triangle to listen:
Spring peepers can be heard calling in large numbers from late March through May. Photo by Christopher Manning
Spring peepers have a dark marking in the shape of an X on their back. Photo by Mike Marchand	Adult spring peepers are not much bigger than a quarter and are New Hampshire’s smallest frogs. Photo by Mike Marchand
Spring peepers are often heard but seldom seen. Photo by Mike Marchand	The marking on the back of this peeper does not make a perfect X. Photo by Mike Marchand