Rio Grande Chirping Frog

Rio Grande Chirping Frog, Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides

With a size no larger than 2.5cm, the Rio Grande Chirping Frog has quite a loud call that is often mistaken for crickets or some nocturnal bird. The Spotted, Cliff, and Rio Grande Chirping Frogs are all quite unique in that they do not need water to develop into a full adult. They instead lay their eggs in moist soil, and undergo metamorphism while in the egg hatching in adult form. As such, soil found in potted plants soon to be shipped across the state are not an usual place to lay eggs. These various species, specifically the Rio Grande Chirping Frog, have been found far from their native range of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, from San Antonio, to Houston, to Dallas. This is likely the case for the expanding range of the Cliff Chirping Frog as well. As a relatively new arrival, it is unclear the impact this frog may have, but unlike many other animals has adapted well to urbanization.

This is the second year we've heard them in the neighborhood, and they are definitely gaining a solid foothold. Their adaptability to urbanization likely contributed to their survival and thriving population even in one of the worst droughts we've had in history. While water was restricted, regulations were lenient on having an irrigation hose to help maintain house foundation. It is of no surprise that ones I've heard have been close to the walls, which also provide wonderful cracks, shrubs, and foliage to hide in. I've only seen one once, which is this photo, taken with my phone, trying to determine which chirping frog it was. He was a devil to find.