Taxonomy, Nomenclature, and Distribution of Southeastern Cricket Frogs, Genus Acris

Abstract

The respective ranges of A. gryllus and A. crepitans overlap for a distance of 105 mi. in Georgia. In distinguishing the 2 spp., the snout-vent length, extension of heel beyond snout, and length of 3d and 5th toes are useless as criteria; the extent of webbing of 4th and 1st toes, size of anal warts, degree of wartiness of dorsum, and coloration of dorsum in life are useful when series are at hand; body build, snout shape, stoutness of toes, and nature of postfemoral striping are the best definitive characters. 99% of the specimens were readily allocated; 1% were apparently hybrids. The 2 forms breed together at the same time in Ga.; the calls differ. A. crepitans. A. g. gryllus. and A. g. dorsalis differ in escape behavior. Specimens similar to the last form occur in Colleton Co., S. Carolina. A recent attempt to erect the name A. ocularis for the cricket-frog is unconvincing; A. gryllus is retained.