Wart's the Difference
Posted by David Rosen on February 19, 2007
Q: We are doing a project on Grass Frogs.
Are grass frogs a specific type of frog or
a broader name for many types of frogs?
How do we find out which types of frogs fall under the Grass Frogs group?
Thank you very much.
State: Virginia
A: Good question David. When using common names, it can be confusing about just which animal(s) is being discussed and this is why scientists use Latin names. In North America, there is a specific species called a Little Grass Frog, Pseudacris ocularis, that is found in southeastern Virginia and field guides to amphibians should have this info to get you started. I am assuming this is the species you're referring to. I'd ask my teacher to be more specific on this since there are grass frogs in Australia too but this is most likely NOT what you're after.
The Little Grass Frog is only one species of the Chorus Frog group (genus Pseudacris) which is in the family Hylidae. You should be able to google Little Grass Frog, Pseudacris ocularis, Chorus Frogs, or even Hylidae to find information on this species. Check out www.uga.edu for a site that specifically deals with your animal.
Hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( February 20, 2007)