Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei)

Common Name: Cajun Chorus Frog
Scientific Name: Pseudacris fouquettei
Family: Hylidae – Tree Frog family
Locations: United States – Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas
Size: 1.2 inch (30 mm)

The Cajun Chorus Frog is a relatively new described species, only being described in 2008. Before 2008, it was considered part of the Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) species complex but was elevated to its own species due to differences in the call and their mitochondria DNA. The frog is part of the Tree Frog family, Hylidae, but they are usually found around ground level.

Breeding for the frog is generally from January to May, following rains. In more southern parts of the range, they can start breeding as early as November. Males will move to temporary ponds and start calling for females. Once the female selects a mate, the male will grasp the female from behind. Then, the female will lay her eggs and the male will then fertilize them. The females will lay between 500 to 1500 eggs at a time. Once the eggs hatch, the tadpoles take 40 to 80 days to complete their metamorphosis. Neither parent provides any parental care for their offspring.