Spotted Chirping Frog

Range

This species can be found in moderate elevation ranges of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, from the Davis Mountains in west Texas south to the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Durango and Guanajuato. They are native to Mexico and the southern US.

Habitats

These organisms are found in high altitudes of rocky areas occurring naturally or man made. In lowlands they dwell in limestone mines. They are nocturnal and hide away from the midday sun under rocks, debris and plant materials. They are known to walk rather than hop and they run when they feel attacked. They feed on insects and spiders and breed from February to May with females laying large eggs numbering 16.

Identification

They grow to about 0.75 to 1.25 inches in length. They are yellow to brown with tan to yellow spots generously distributed across its dorsum and limbs. The hind limbs have more of a crossbar pattern. The underside is pale and the eyes are situated on the lateral sides of its head. They have an almost flat body with a large flattened head. The skin is shiny and smooth without warts.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians