hausman] the spring PEEPER 133 



front edge is attached to the floor of the mouth just within the 

 lower Hp. 



When catching an insect the frog throws the free hinder end of 

 the tongue forward, and the insect is caught in the sticky saHva 

 with which it is covered. The tongue, with the adherent prey is 

 then whisked back into the mouth. The entire process occurs in 

 the twinkling of an eye. 



Hyla crucifer is a characteristic climber. By means of adhesive 

 discs on the tips of the fingers and toes, and of glands in the hands 

 and feet which secrete a sticky flmd, it is able to maintain its hold 

 and to climb upon any surface, no matter how smooth. Thus it 

 can ascend the vertical trunks of trees, or the stems of plants, or 

 even the sides of glass aquaria, with perfect ease. Between each 

 toe is stretched a web, which enables it to swim well, which it does 

 frequently, especially diuing the nuptial season. 



Occasionally, during the fall months, on muggy days, the Hyla 

 gives vent to a few peeps, reminiscent of the glorious voice that he 

 possessed while wooing his mate in the spring of the year. These 

 isolated "peeps" are commonly taken to be the chirp of some bird 

 or loud voiced insect. 



Peepers are delicate and interesting little pets to keep indoors in 

 a terrarium. In captivity, if well fed and watered, they become 

 quite fearless, swelling their throats and singing on dark days, 

 more especially late in the afternoon. They usually remain 

 partially concealed beneath moss or leaves, as much to keep their 

 delicate skins moist (for through this they take considerable 

 oxygen) as for protection from physical injtir^'. 



The little Hyla crticifer can well be looked upon as the embodi- 

 ment of spring, since it is the first clear, unequivocal voice in the 

 proclamation of the presence of that joyous season. In its loud, 

 clear annunciation of spring's arrival it is not unlike that other 

 voice which soon follows it, the Meadowlark's. In the economy 

 of nature does it not seem strange that the creature which is the 

 earliest, loudest, and cheeriest of spring's heralds should be the one 

 to retire for its winter sleep latest, and to enjoy the shortest period 

 of hiemal slumber? For the Hyla does not go into hibernation 

 until late in November or in the early part of December, and yet he 

 is out again in February or March, a sort of natttre's alarm clock to 

 rouse the sleepy legions with the welcome news that the old man 

 with the long hoary beard and locks has been seen hurrying north- 



