Pseudacris triseriata
striped chorus frog
(Also: western chorus frog)

The western chorus frog is found in the middle to eastern portions of the North American continent. Its range extends from southern Quebec and northern New York west to South Dakota, then south to Kansas and Oklahoma (Harding 1997).

Western chorus frogs can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, meadows, swales, and other open areas. Less frequently they can be found in fallowed agricultural fields, damp woods, and wooded swamps. These areas of less permanent water offer reduced risk of egg and tadpole predation by other animals such as fish. There is a trade-off, however, as these temporary bodies of water can dry up in years of drought, resulting in reproductive failure for that year (Harding 1997).

The western chorus frog is characterized by a white or cream colored stripe along the upper lip, bordered by a dark brown stripe running through the eye from the nostril to the groin. There are usually 3 dark stripes running down the back, although these may be broken into rows of spots in some specimens. Background color ranges from brown to gray or olive. The underside is white or cream colored, possibly with dark spots on the chin and throat (Conant and Collins, 1991). Males have a yellow colored vocal sac that appears as a dark, loose flap of skin when not calling. The skin of the western chorus frog is typically moist and bumpy, and the toes end in slightly expanded toepads. Adult length is typically 1.9 to 3.9 cm (.75" to 1.5"), with males usually smaller than females. P. triseriata tadpoles have gray or brown bodies round in shape. Their tail fins are clear, often with dark flecks. The intestinal coil can be seen through the bronze belly skin. Maximum length before metamorphosis is about 3cm (1.2 inches)(Harding 1997).

The rate of development of the eggs and larvae is dependent on water temperature, with specimens in colder water requiring more time for development. Maximum length before metamorphosis is about 3cm.

Most Striped Chorus Frogs will probably die as tadpoles or froglets. Once they reach adulthood, Striped Chorus Frogs may live for about 5 years.

Western chorus frogs tend to remain close to their breeding grounds throughout the year. They often hide from predators beneath logs, rocks, leaf litter, and in loose soil or animal burrows. They will typically hibernate in these places as well (Harding 1997).

Picking the small end of a high quality fine tooth comb with a fingernail can reproduce the call of the western chorus frog. The call sounds like "Cree-ee-ee-ee-eek", rising in speed and pitch as it progresses. Striped Chorus Frog males use these calls to attract females to breeding sites during the breeding season. Striped Chorus Frogs also use their keen vision to capture prey.

Western chorus frogs eat a variety of small invertebrates, including ants, flies, beetles, moths, caterpillars, leaf hoppers, and spiders. Newly formed froglets feed on smaller prey, including mites, midges, and springtails. Tadpoles are herbivorous, foraging mostly on algae (Harding 1997).

Striped chorus frogs are preyed on by large birds, small mammals, and snakes. Tadpoles and froglets can be preyed on by other frogs, crayfish, fish, turtles, and dragonfly larvae.

Striped Chorus Frogs help to control insect populations where they live, they also act as an important food source for their predators.

The western chorus frog (and most other frogs) acts as a critical indicator species. Because the larval and adult forms of this species occupy different levels of the food chain, anomalies (such as deformities) or a reduction in reproductive success can be linked to either aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems, depending on the life stage of the animal. This makes this species valuable in determining the overall health of both ecosystems. The permeable skin of the western chorus frog also makes it susceptible to contaminants and other external stimuli. Changes in morphology or ecology of this species might indicate high levels of pollution or other activity detrimental to their well being.

The western chorus frog can be common to locally abundant, although some areas have shown a decline. The subspecies Pseudacris triseriata maculata is listed as special concern in the state of Michigan. This species appears to be quite tolerant of human activities, considering its presence in agricultural and suburban areas. Caution must be exercised during agricultural practices, as runoff containing pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers often fills breeding ponds, making eggs and larvae susceptible to detrimental effects (Harding 1997).