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Southampton Press / Community / 1590351

Hear Those Peepers? The Little Frog That Calls Out To Us, Saying, 'Spring Is Near'

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The spring peeper (shown here) and wood frog can partially freeze and stop their breathing and heart rate for the winter.

The spring peeper (shown here) and wood frog can partially freeze and stop their breathing and heart rate for the winter.

Spring peepers are calling from their breeding ponds. MIKE BOTTINI

Spring peepers are calling from their breeding ponds. MIKE BOTTINI

Spring Song April 11 -- On Long Island, spring peepers have the distinction of being the only chorus frog around, and they are one of just two species of chorus frog in New York State; the other is found near Buffalo. They are distinguished from other small frogs and toads by a signature “X” marking on their backs. Peepers have a short life cycle—anywhere from two to three years—and in the winter, they go into a torpid-like state, their blood freezing to a slushy consistency, which allows them to lay dormant under leaf litter and other hiding places in the marsh until it is time to emerge, issue their distinctive call and mate.

Spring Song April 11 -- On Long Island, spring peepers have the distinction of being the only chorus frog around, and they are one of just two species of chorus frog in New York State; the other is found near Buffalo. They are distinguished from other small frogs and toads by a signature “X” marking on their backs. Peepers have a short life cycle—anywhere from two to three years—and in the winter, they go into a torpid-like state, their blood freezing to a slushy consistency, which allows them to lay dormant under leaf litter and other hiding places in the marsh until it is time to emerge, issue their distinctive call and mate.

authorCailin Riley on Apr 9, 2019
In some of Karin Strong’s fondest childhood memories, she is covered in mud, stealthily sneaking her way through the muck and mire at the edge of the pond in her... more

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