It is a pleasant chorus and soon it will fill the evening air. I have had a number of people tell me this is one of their favorite sounds of spring, usually between the peepers and the “cheeseburger birds”, haha.
Now what if I told you that the loud little fellers are not only a signal of spring, but also a sign of a healthy environment? It is true!
Spring peepers, a diminutive frog, are considered an indicator species. They announce the arrival of a beautiful warm day. Spring peepers sound off in huge numbers when the temperature is rising; giving us a sign that spring is coming. Amphibians are considered the world’s universal indicator of the health of the environment. Frogs, toads, salamanders and newts are all amphibians. They have a unique characteristic of absorbing moisture and chemicals through their skin. If a water source such as a pond, lake, creek or river is contaminated, amphibians will be one of the first species to” indicate” that there is a problem.
Spring peepers an indicator of whether the environment is healthy or not
There is another reason it is nice to hear peeps in the springtime. These little critters help to limit a dreaded sound from the evening air, mosquitoes, as they feed on the larvae.
Tadpoles feed on soft-bodied invertebrates. Up to half of the diet is spiders, along with midges, mites, ants, sowbugs, nematode worms, moth larvae, and other invertebrates
As we wait for the official song of spring, take comfort when you hear the peepers that is a sign the environment is still in OK shape.
