mating frogs

[Linda Fink]

Checking our seasonal pond to see if the copepods had returned after the
long dry spell when they dried out and disappeared (alas, they have not
returned), I saw a pair of Pacific Tree Frogs apparently mating. I was
surprised at the difference in color and size. Is this common?

And did the dry spell mess up the copepod life cycle? I really like
those little red critters.

Linda Fink, near Grand Ronde
--
http://lindafink.blogspot.com/
http://lindafink-birdnotes.blogspot.com/

[Don A Boucher]

Hi Linda,

Although typical, the photo is still very amusing. Female Pacific Chorus Frogs are larger than males, often substantially. Also take into account that the male has his legs folded while the female is spread out. There is color variance within the local populations. Individuals can change from dark to light (or light to dark) in as little as a few minutes and this may also be a factor.

Don Boucher
Corvallis