Rural School Leaflet 1085 



they are laid singly or in groups and concealed by vegetation. After the 

 eggs have been deposited, the parents have no further care for them and 

 soon leave the water for the rest of the year. The eggs develop into 

 small tadpoles similarly to those of the common toad, and these transform 

 into the adult stage mostly during July. 



During summer and fall, the adult Peepers spend their time in the 

 grass and among the leaves of the forest floor in search of small insects, 

 snails, and the like, which constitute their food. At this time they are 

 inconspicuous and seldom found. Oftentimes they get up into the trees, 

 for they are good climbers; and it is this fact that gives them the name 

 of " tree-frog." In the fall we may often hear single individuals calling 

 from some weed or bush where they have perched, but the spring chorus 

 is not resumed. With the approach of cold weather the Peepers crawl 

 under a log or into some out-of-the-way place to pass the winter. Every 

 warm day before the appearance of snow brings them out, however, and 

 far into November we may hear their shrill notes. 



Suggestions : 



1. The single note of a Peeper is a high, shrill, sharp whistle, varying in 

 pitch with individuals and only occasionally tremulous. The individual 

 notes are lost, however, in the chorus, which simulates a continuous 

 refrain with a degree of rhythm. If there is a pond anywhere in the 

 neighborhood, this chorus may often be heard from the open schoolroom 

 window. If not, an excursion to a near-by pond should be made shortly 

 after the ice has disappeared. 



2. The Peeper should be kept in a glass jar covered with a screen or 

 cheesecloth and having water or moist soil or moss in the bottom. He 

 will probably not remain in the water, but will climb up on the sides of 

 the jar, when the viscid disks on the toes can be easily studied. Note 

 the number of fingers and toes, and the size of the disks on each. Note 

 ihe purpose and manner of using these disks. Notice the webbing of 

 the toes. How extensive is it and how does it compare with that of a 

 frog or a toad? 



3. Study the vocal sac. Note its position and appearance when not 

 distended. If several Peepers are kept together they are more likely to 

 call, but even single individuals call at times. Note the size and shape 

 of the vocal sac at the time when the note is given. The sound is pro- 

 duced by the vocal chords, but it would be very weak were it not intensi- 

 fied by the vibration of air in the vocal sac, which serves as a sounding- 

 board or a resonance box. 



4. Study the skin. Is it dry, like that of the toad, or moist, like that 

 of the frog ? Is it smooth or rough ? What is the purpose of keeping the 

 skin moist ? The skin in many amphibians serves as an accessory breath- 



