Posted by Sharon Morton on May 29, 2006

Q: We live in a well treed area of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Today, in our front flower bed, we found a small frog sitting on the leaf of an oriental lily. He is green but for a thin dark band accross each eye, has a somewhat pointy face, and his body is no more than an inch long. I haven't wished to disturb him, so I can't tell you anything about his feet, etc. He has been up and down the leaves of that same lily for the entire day. The flower bed is generally fairly moist, and faces north east, so only gets a small amount of morning sun. What type of frog might we have here? Can we do anything to make this a happy environment for him? He's welcome to stay!

Thanks,

Sharon

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Manitoba

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Your description was very helpful. The mention of "green" however did throw me off a bit. I believe your frog is a Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata). Chorus Frogs are greenish-gray to brown so I'm guessing that your frog isn't entirely green? Google this frog and see if it looks right and keep in mind that their colors vary a bit. Manitoba doesn't have many small frogs so there really aren't too many options.

Your little guy will like it best if the flower bed remains on the moist side. As the summer arrives and weather becomes hot and dry, your frog will be most comfortable if you keep that area a bit moist. Guess I'd spray it with water in the late afternoon (this species is nocturnal) and then he can come out to feed during the night. Thanks for your question and good luck with your frog.

John Wiessinger ( May 30, 2006)