Ornate Chorus Frog
Pseudacris ornata
(click image to enlarge)

Appearance: Pseudacris ornata is one of the most beautiful frogs of the southeast. This frog can vary in color from tan to bright red or even brilliant green. The dorsum may be marked with two longitudinal stripes or may be completely immaculate. A triangle may be present on top of the head between the eyes. The most distinguishing feature is a bold blotch or smear of dark pigment just anterior and dorsal of the hind legs on either side of the frog.  The groin usually has a wash of orange or yellow pigment. This is a small frog, obtaining lengths of only about 3 cm. (1.25 in.) in length.

Habits and Habitat: This is a secretive frog, rarely seen except during the winter breeding season.  Preferred habitats are similar to other chorus frogs, and include shallow, temporary bodies of water with extensive emergent vegetation. Ponds in pine flatwoods, forested cypress wetlands, and wet prairies are all utilized are breeding sites.

Vocalization: The Ornate Chorus Frog's call has been compared to the ringing of tiny bells, and is similar to that of the spring peepers. A thin, high, monotonic "teet" is repeated at regular intervals, about twice per second.

Reproduction/Egg Description: The breeding season falls within that of other chorus frogs during the wet, cool winter months. Eggs are laid in small, loose clusters of about 25 and are attached to submerged or emergent vegetation.

Distribution and Abundance: An inhabitant of the Coastal Plain in the Deep South, the Ornate Chorus Frog's range is similar to that of the Southern Chorus Frog. Northern Florida, and the coastal plain areas of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas represent the majority of this frog's range.  Abundance information on this species is lacking as it is rarely seen outside of the winter breeding season.

SE ARMI Index Sites: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.