Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: FROG, ILLINOIS CHORUS

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: ANURA

Family: HYLIDAE

Genus: PSEUDACRIS

Species: ILLINOENSIS

Taxonomic Authority: SMITH

Taxonomy References: 020 , 019 , 001 , 011

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G5T3

Status References: 014 , 007 , 009 , 010

Habitat Summary

"Prefer flat shady areas. Originally inhabited sand prairies, now often found in crop fields in the former sand prairie area. Breed in flooded crop fields, ditches and other temporary water."

Primary Habitat: "Grassland - native prairie"

References: 002 , 005 , 006

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Restricted to southeast corner of Missouri *02*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BOLLINGER ADAIR
CAPE GIRARDEAU ANDREW
DUNKLIN ATCHISON
MISSISSIPPI AUDRAIN
NEW MADRID BARRY
PEMISCOT BARTON
SCOTT BATES
STODDARD BENTON
BOONE
BUCHANAN
BUTLER
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JACKSON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 017 , 021 , 002 , 008

Distribution by Watersheds

Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Miss R. from Ohio R. to Arkansas Border
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Area Bordered by Black R. and St. Francis R. South of Quintan, MO

Comments: "Likely to occur in listed units, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Mississippi River Alluvial Plains

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Oak-Hickory Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"See Comments"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand", ,
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud", ,
"Riverine, intermittent", "Streambed, organic", ,
"Riverine, intermittent", "Streambed, bedrock", ,

References for Aquatic Associations: 002 , 005

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Intermittent Stream
Annuals
Cereal Grain
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)

References for Habitat Types: 016 , 003 , 002 , 005 , 006

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Savanna
Wetland

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 016 , 002 , 005 , 006

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Algae; All of plant

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits: 005

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 002 , 005

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

Current velocity: no noticable current
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded
Water level: intermittently flooded
Inland wetlands: ditch
Natural features: flatlands

References for feeding larvae niche requirements: 002 , 005

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Bottom type: sand
Current velocity: no noticable current
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded
Water level: intermittently flooded
Water depth: shallow
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: intermittent stream - flow stops, pools remain
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: flatlands
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Soil type: sandy soil
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Agricultural crops: cotton
Agricultural crops: flooded crop fields
Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 014 , 016 , 018 , 002 , 005 , 006

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Soil type: sandy soil
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Agricultural crops: small grains

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 014 , 015 , 018 , 005

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Soil type: sandy soil
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Agricultural crops: small grains

References for resting adult niche requirements: 018 , 002 , 005

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops specified in comments(00670)
Agricultural crops: cotton
Agricultural crops: flooded crop fields
Agricultural crops: small grains
Agricultural crops: soybeans
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Bottom type: sand
Canopy closure (%) specified in comments(00530)
Current velocity: no noticable current
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments(00620) Herbaceous cover (%) specified in comments
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: intermittent stream - flow stops, pools remain
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Natural features: flatlands
Soil type: sandy soil
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Successional stage: abandoned field
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water depth: shallow
Water level: intermittently flooded
Water level: seasonally flooded
Water level: semipermanently flooded
Water level: temporarily flooded
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
030 In laboratory study, frogs were never observed in sand in daylight, but nocturnal activity was evident by morning presence of holes in sand.*06*
099 Tadpoles transform in about 60 days *02*
007 Breed late February/early March - early April *02,14*.
010 Males call from water, floating vegetation, or water's edge. *02*
018 Female lays 200-400 eggs. *02*
022 Probably mature 1st year after metamorphosis *05*
026 Males defend calling stations during breeding season *05*

Life History Information

Territoriality specified in comments(026)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging sites: ground
Foraging sites: herbaceous vegetation
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system: polygamy
Duration of pair bond: no pair bond formed
Display site: ground
Display site: water
Display site specified in comments(010)
Spawning site: standing water
Nest materials: no nest structure
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Parental care of young: no care
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
030 In laboratory study, frogs were never observed in sand in daylight, but nocturnal activity was evident by morning presence of holes in sand.*06*
099 Tadpoles transform in about 60 days *02*
007 Breed late February/early March - early April *02,14*.
010 Males call from water, floating vegetation, or water's edge. *02*
018 Female lays 200-400 eggs. *02*
022 Probably mature 1st year after metamorphosis *05*
026 Males defend calling stations during breeding season *05*

References for life history: 014 , 002 , 005 , 006

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Shrub/brush - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Shrub/brush - develop/maintain ephemeral pools
Water - develop/maintain spawning/nesting facilities
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain fishless ponds
Agricultural - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Agricultural - control erosion
Agricultural - control grazing by domestic livestock
Agricultural - maintain habitat diversity

Beneficial Management References: 013 , 018 , 002 , 012

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Agricultural - application of herbicides
Agricultural - application of pesticides
Agricultural - application of insecticides
Agricultural - application of fertilizer - inorganic
Agricultural - soil compaction

Adverse Management References: 002 , 005

Comments on Management:
Species may not be able to withstand wide use of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides. *02* fishless ponds can be less than 30' across and 3-5'deep, should be at least 150' from other impoundments. A 300-acre area should have 3-4 fishless ponds. Ponds located at forest edge benefit woodland and grassland species *12*. Constructing ephemeral pools is beneficial. Should attempt to reestablish ephemeral pools where they once existed. Possible sites can be identified using aerial photos, topographic maps, and on-site inspections. Pools should be no more than 24" deep, 10-15' across and 30-60' long, with sloping sides and some type of structure (small trees and bushes) placed in the pool. during construction, move soil perpendicular to and away from the presumed direction of water flow, so excess water will flow away. Surrounding trees should not be removed. *13* an IL study recommended maintaining a 1 km area around breeding sites, preferrably with sandy soil, sparse vegetation, and protected from heavy equipment that would compact the soil *14*.

References for Management Comments: 013 , 014 , 002 , 012

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Unpb Missouri Department Of Conservation. Checklist Of Missouri Amphibians And Reptiles. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
002 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
003 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
004 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
005 Unpb Johnson, Tom R. Mo. Dept. Conserv. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. (573)751-4115.
006 Brown, L.E., H.O. Jackson, and J.R. Brown. 1972. Burrowing Behavior Of The Chorus Frog, Pseudacris Streckeri. Herpet. 28(4):325-328.
007 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
008 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
009 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. List Of Missouri Animal Notice Species, February 2, 1989. U.S. Fws, P.O. Box 1506, Columbia, Mo 65205.
010 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
011 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
012 Johnson, T.R. 1994. Amphibian And Reptile Management On Conservation Department Impoundments. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, Natural History Division. Jefferson City, Mo 14 Pp.
013 Doolan, R. and T.R. Johnson. 1995. Ephemeral Pools: Their Value And Construction. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 6 Pp.
014 Brandon, R.A. and S.R. Ballard. 1997. Status Of Illinois Chorus Frogs In Southern Illinois. Pp 102-112 In M.J. Lanoo. 1997. Status And Conservation Of Midwestern Amphibians. Univ. Iowa Press, Iowa City. 507 Pp.
015 Tucker, J.K. 1998. Status Of Illinois Chorus Frogs In Madison County, Illinois. Pp 94-101 In M.J. Lanoo. 1998. Status And Conservation Of Midwestern Amphibians. 507 Pp.
016 Mierzwa, K.S. 1998. Amphibian Habitat In The Midwestern United States. Pp. 16-23 In M.J. Lannoo, Ed. Status And Conservation Of Midwestern Amphibians. Univ. Iowa Press. Iowa City. 507 Pp.
017 Daniel, R.E. and B.S.Edmond. 2000. New And Previously Unreported Distribution Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 2000. Mo Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 13:14-19.
018 Tucker, J.K. 2000. Growth And Survivorship In The Illinois Chorus Frog (Pseudacris Streckeri Illinoensis). Trans. Il State Acad. Sci. 93(1):63-68.
019 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
020 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
021 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.