Arkansas is situated in the southern United States, bordered by Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The state is divisible into five distinct regions, each of which possesses its own geography.
The Ozark Mountain region is characterized by forests and valleys, while the Ouachita Mountains form a series of parallel ridges and valleys. As well as being home to the state’s largest river, the Arkansas River Valley also plays host to Magazine Mountain. Both the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain are lower-lying regions.
Combined, these areas offer forests, wetlands, and grasslands, which support an abundance of flora and fauna. Numerous frog species can be found in Arkansas, each slightly different from the next in their ecology.
Arkansas Frogs
1) American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Ranidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bullfrog is large, capable of reaching 20 cm (8 in) in length. It has a bright green body and a white belly, both of which display a dark pattern. Another feature, common to all members of Ranidae, is the large tympanum.
In Arkansas, Lithobates catesbeianus can be found statewide. It typically occupies warm, shallow water bodies with an abundance of vegetation – however, it is adaptable and can survive in a variety of other habitats, including those that have suffered degradation or that have been urbanized. Adult American bullfrogs are voracious predators that will tackle anything they can swallow, including insects, small mammals, crustaceans, birds, and even snakes.
American bullfrogs reproduce between May and July. Males fiercely defend their territories by posturing (in which they expose a bright yellow gular sac), vocalizing, and occasionally engaging in physical contact. The eggs are laid in warm waters, where they float on the surface until hatching.
2) American green treefrog (Hyla cinerea)
- Native to the central and southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American green treefrog grows to 3.2 – 5.7 cm (1.3 – 2.2 in) in length and possesses the characteristic treefrog features of long limbs and sticky toe pads. As the name suggests, it is green in color, and there is a white or yellow stripe running along each side of the body. This species is sexually dimorphic, with males typically being smaller than females.
In Arkansas, Hyla cinerea can be found in the South Central Plains, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and Arkansas Valley, as well as in a handful of locations within the Ouachita Mountains. This species spends much of its time in trees in open canopy forests, although it will also venture down to porch lights to take advantage of the insects that gather there.
Research has found that the American green treefrog prefers highly active prey. Common prey species include flies, mosquitos, fruit flies, and crickets, all of which are more abundant in canopy gaps – hence, green treefrogs can be found in greater numbers in these areas.
3) Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
- Native to southeastern Canada and the eastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spring peeper is a tiny treefrog, reaching just 2.5 cm (1 in) in length. This frog has smooth skin that ranges in color – it can be tan, brown, green, or gray, with a darker cross-shaped pattern on the dorsum. Its underside is white or cream, and a dark line runs through each eye.
Pseudacris crucifer can be found throughout Arkansas with the exception of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. A secretive species, it is rarely seen, although it can be heard calling in areas with small trees and standing water. Moist wooded areas provide the best conditions for this frog – they are most abundant in wetlands with some degree of permanence. Their diet consists of beetles, flies, ants, and spiders.
The name ‘spring peeper’ originates from the male’s high-pitched mating call – the female’s brain is tuned to the frequencies of this call, aiding her in mate selection. Research has shown that calling increases as temperature rises.
4) Gray treefrog (Dryophytes versicolor)
- Native to the eastern US and southeastern Canada
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The gray treefrog is quite large for a member of Hylidae, attaining lengths of 3.2 – 5.1 cm (1.3 – 2 in). This frog has a fairly heavy body, with large toe pads and rough gray or green skin – although this can change color depending on the individual’s environment. The driving forces behind this feature are presumed to be camouflage and thermoregulation.
Dryophytes versicolor can be found in the northwest of Arkansas – it may occur further south; however, this needs validating. This species can be found in wooded habitats, with a particular preference for mature deciduous forests, usually in close proximity to fishless wetlands suitable for breeding.
Common prey items for the gray treefrog include beetles, ants, crickets, slugs, and snails. Foraging takes place in terrestrial habitats and rarely occurs in water. It is likely that this species also consumes plant matter, such as pine needles and seeds.
5) Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Blanchard’s cricket frog grows to just 4 cm (1.6 in) in length and has rough, warty skin that is gray, tan, green, or brown in color. This frog has distinctive patterning: light and dark bars on the upper jaw, a dark triangle between the eyes, and a brown stripe on the inside of the thighs. Males have a yellow throat.
The range of this species in Arkansas spans the entire state, with populations typically residing in open habitats, often at the edges of ponds or lakes. In winter, it takes shelter in cracks in the mud or utilizes crayfish burrows. Blanchard’s cricket frogs consume arachnids, gastropod mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter.
If threatened, Acris blanchardi will perform quick, erratic hops to move away and confuse its predator – they often jump into the water to escape. Interestingly, young frogs that lived in ponds with fish when they were tadpoles cannot jump as far as those that were raised without fish present. This is due to fishless environments providing more optimal conditions for growth.
6) Bird-voiced treefrog (Hyla avivoca)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bird-voiced treefrog is sexually dimorphic, with females being slightly larger than males – the length of females is 3.2 – 5.2 cm (1.3 – 2 in) and the length of males is 2.8 – 3.9 cm (1.1 – 1.5 in). Its coloration can be green, gray, or brown, with a paler white or yellow patch below the eye.
This species is secretive and resides in wooded swamps near rivers or streams. It has a patchy distribution in Arkansas, with most populations being found on the West Gulf Coastal Plain, although a handful of others can be found further north. Its diet consists of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and butterflies.
Bird-voiced treefrogs are nocturnal and will call during the night, although they have also been reported to call during daylight hours, too. Research has found that males can change features of their call to reflect what is happening in the environment – for example, males in groups call for longer than isolated males.
7) Wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
- Native to the northeastern US, Canada, and Alaska
- Family: Ranidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
Wood frogs range in length from 3.8 – 8.2 cm (1.5 – 3.2 in). Their coloration can be green, gray, or brown, however, all individuals have a white belly and a white line on the upper lip. They also possess a black line extending from the snout, widening into a black mask as it reaches the eye.
In Arkansas, Lithobates sylvaticus can be found in the Ozark Highlands and Boston Mountains, where it occupies moist wooded habitat. It is a highly terrestrial species and can often be found far from water, although it journeys to temporary wetlands to reproduce. The diet of the wood frog consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates.
Although populations of wood frogs are stable, factors such as logging do present a risk to them. Research has also found that traffic noise can disrupt the movement of females toward the male breeding chorus and causes increased levels of stress-related hormones in their blood.
8) Pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ranidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pickerel frog is fairly large, growing to around 4.5 – 7.5 cm (2 – 3 in) in length. It has distinctive coloration, making it easy to identify: green-brown skin, with two rows of square-shaped spots running down its back. The dorsolateral folds are prominent, and there are patches of bright yellow on the inside of its hindlimbs.
Lithobates palustris occupies aquatic habitats where the water is cool and clear and will also reside in rocky ravines or vegetated banks of streams. This species consumes a varied diet of invertebrates, including ants, spiders, beetles, moth larvae, crickets, and earthworms. In turn, pickerel frogs may be susceptible to predation by bullfrogs and aquatic snakes.
During breeding season, males produce several different types of vocalization. One of these is an advertisement call, while the other two are described as a ‘snicker’ and a ‘growl’, often seen in interactions between males. Males can vocalize both in the air and underwater.
9) Strecker’s chorus frog (Pseudacris streckeri)
- Native to the south-central US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Strecker’s chorus frog grows to a maximum length of 4.8 cm (1.9 in). It has a particularly stout build, with broad forelimbs, and is gray, brown, or olive in color with a dark stripe running through the eye and down the side. There are also dark spots present on the dorsum, and the belly is white, with yellow on the groin.
Pseudacris streckeri is a largely terrestrial species, which is unusual for chorus frogs. They occupy moist woodlands, prairies, streams, and swamps, although they spend much of their time underground hiding from predators and escaping the heat. Most frogs burrow by digging with their back legs and traveling backward, however the Strecker’s chorus frog burrows forwards, using its front legs to dig.
In Arkansas, this species can be found predominantly along the Arkansas Valley. There are some unconfirmed records of populations further north as well, although it is possible that this is a subspecies, the Illinois chorus frog.
10) Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Ranidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The southern leopard frog can attain lengths of 5.1 – 8.9 cm (2 – 3.5 in) and has a slender build with long hindlimbs. It is brown or green in color, with large dark spots on the back, sides, and legs. The dorsolateral folds are prominent in this frog and are usually pale yellow, as is the stripe across the upper jaw.
This species can be found throughout Arkansas, where it resides in shallow wetlands or nearby meadows and wooded areas. Southern leopard frogs have been shown to be relatively tolerant of habitat fragmentation and disturbance, such as that caused by clearcutting.
Lithobates sphenocephalus breeds in the fall in Arkansas, during heavy rainfall. Mass breeding events such as this can become confusing for the frogs, and male southern leopard frogs have been observed attempting to mate with inanimate objects, dead frogs, and even salamanders!
11) Cope’s gray treefrog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
Dryophytes chrysoscelis is fairly large for a member of Hylidae, reaching lengths of 3.2 – 5.1 cm (1.3 – 2 in). It has a heavy build and varies in color from mottled gray to pale green – although individuals can alter their coloration in response to environmental changes. Another distinguishing feature of this species is the bright yellow or orange coloration on the inner thighs.
In Arkansas, this species can be found throughout most of the state, with the exception of the northwestern region. It resides in a variety of wooded areas, but its preferred habitat is mature deciduous forest, however, there is also evidence to suggest that this frog selects habitat in close proximity to wetlands. This species consumes a diet of ants and beetles.
Female Cope’s gray treefrogs respond to male calls during breeding season, attracted to the calls with lower frequencies. Research has found that once oviposition has taken place, the females cease to respond to these mating calls completely.
12) Squirrel treefrog (Hyla squirella)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The squirrel treefrog reaches lengths of 2.2 – 4.1 cm (1 – 1.6 in). This frog can be a variety of colors, such as green, brown, or gray, and some individuals may display spots across the dorsum. There may also be a faint line extending from the eye to the shoulder.
This species resides in moist areas such as marshes and swamps and has been reported to exist in fields as well. In Arkansas, the range of the squirrel treefrog is quite limited: populations have been recorded in Union County, Ashley County, and Drew County. Its diet consists of insects, which it predominantly hunts for at night, although is occasionally seen out during the day.
A study found that populations of the squirrel treefrog in Union County were hosting various types of endoparasites. Aside from this, there do not appear to be any imminent threats to this species, and its populations are stable.
13) Cajun chorus frog (Pseudacris fouquettei)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Cajun chorus frog is small, with males growing to just 3 cm (1.2 in) and females to 2.7 cm (1.1 in). This species is brown or gray in coloration with a series of dark stripes on the back – these may be composed of irregular lines, or of spots of color that form rows. Individuals also possess a pale underside, with some spotting on the chest, and a pale stripe between the eye and the tympanum.
In Arkansas, Pseudacris fouquettei can be found throughout the state. Its preferred habitat is within forest or grassland, or on the periphery of swamps and marshes – being a secretive species, it is rarely seen outside of breeding season. The diet of the Cajun chorus frog consists of invertebrates, such as insects.
Cajun chorus frogs are fairly tolerant of degradation of habitat; however, they may be affected by urbanization, logging, and agriculture. Due to their sensitivity to pollutants, they are considered an indicator of ecosystem health.
14) Boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata)
- Native to Canada and the north-central US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The boreal chorus frog grows to between 1.9 – 3.8 cm (0.75 – 1.5 in) in length. It is gray or tan in color with dark stripes down the back, and a dark stripe running from the snout, through the eye, and down the sides. The belly of this frog is white, and during breeding season males display a dark throat.
Pseudacris maculata can be found throughout much of Arkansas, with the exception of the Ozark Highlands, Grand Prairie region, and the southeast corner near the Mississippi River. This species resides in prairies, agricultural fields, marshes, and even in urban areas, where it feeds on invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers.
Boreal chorus frogs reproduce in the spring, traveling to temporary water bodies to breed. The eggs are laid in clutches and adhere to aquatic vegetation – these hatch within a few weeks, and the tadpoles undergo metamorphosis by mid-summer.
15) Upland chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Least concern
The upland chorus frog reaches lengths of 1.9 – 3.5 cm (0.75 – 1.4 in) and is brown or gray in color, with a distinctive pale line on the upper lip and a dark stripe running through the eye. Some individuals also have three dark lines running down the dorsum. This species is slightly sexually dimorphic, with males possessing a vocal sac under the chin.
Pseudacris feriarum has not been definitively confirmed in Arkansas, however, it is suspected that populations may be present in the extreme northeastern corner. This species occupies swamps, moist woodlands, and well-vegetated ponds, where it consumes a diet of small insects and other invertebrates.
Upland chorus frog populations are stable; however, they may be susceptible to the use of insecticides. Ranaviruses may also result in declines in these frogs.
16) Illinois chorus frog (Pseudacris illinoensis)
- Native to Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri
- Family: Hylidae
- Order: Anura
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The Illinois chorus frog has a maximum length of 3.8 cm (1.5 in). The coloration of this frog is tan or gray, and it has a stout build with thick forelegs. There are several distinctive dark markings: a V-shape between the eyes, a stripe between the snout and shoulder, and a spot below the eye.
The range of Pseudacris illinoensis in Arkansas is very limited: populations are only found in the far east of Clay County. It prefers flat, sandy areas, where it burrows headfirst – an unusual habit in frogs – using its strong, muscular front legs to dig. This is a particularly useful strategy in winter when frogs must burrow to shelter from extreme temperatures. This species generally feeds on moth caterpillars, beetles, spiders, flies, and ants, although it is an opportunistic predator and will consume whatever insects it can capture.
Illinois chorus frogs are susceptible to declines due to habitat loss, particularly loss of breeding habitat due to agricultural drainage. The use of pesticides, and the introduction of bullfrogs and fish to breeding sites, are also potential contributors to a decrease in numbers of this species.
