Posted by Zerick Cook on June 10, 2008

Q: The kids in the neighborhood have been catching mini frogs for the last several days. At first it was a dozen or two, now there are quite literally hundreds of them that are on the streets and sidewalks. They are less than a half inch in size and are very active – they jump and climb everywhere. The big question has been what kind of frogs are they? They are a greenish gray color with tiny spots on their backs. Do you have any idea of what species this might be and why the population recently exploded? We live near a former field on which a developer began constructing a new housing development this spring. Was this their former habitat?

State: Pennsylvania

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I'm at a bit of a disadvantage, not knowing where in Pennsylvania you live since not all species are found in all parts of the state. From the photo, it does look like you have some kind of frog, rather than a toad, in question. Based on their size, young cricket and tree frogs come to mind as possibilities. Possible species that are found in PA include Northern Cricket Frog, Gray Treefrog, Spring Peeper, and Upland Chorus Frog. Check these out online and see if you get a close match with your "visitors".

With any species, there are years of high and years of low reproductive success. I can't be sure that development has pushed these frogs out of their area onto your property but it is certainly possible. Always sad to see more habitat taken away from wildlife. Thanks for asking and I hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( June 11, 2008)