Little Grass Frog

About the Little Grass Frog

The little grass frog (Pseudacris ocularis) is a species of chorus frog endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is currently the smallest North American anuran and occurs in a wide variety of ephemeral and semi-permanent wetlands.

P. ocularis is the smallest frog in North America, only reaching a maximum snout-vent-length of 18mm. It is normally pale brown, but can have a green or pink tinge. This species is further characterized by a variable dark stripe which runs through each of the frog's eyes and down the sides of its body. The Latin term ocularis translates to "of the eye" in reference to this bold ocular stripe.

This species occurs in a wide variety of ephemeral and semi-permanent wetlands in the southeastern Coastal Plain and favors grassy areas in and around cypress ponds and similar sites. It seldom inhabits permanent ponds, but it still can. Its range spreads from the southernmost parts of Florida and Alabama to Virginia. This species can be used as an indicator of healthy wetlands. In urbanized wetlands P. ocularis is noticeably absent. It is commonly found on lower tree trunks and foliage up to a height of 1 metre (3 ft... Wikipedia →