Upland Chorus Frogs are very common in central North Carolina, but much easier to hear than to see. Their loud calls, which sound like a thumb running down a comb, are familiar sounds of warm days in late winter.

Caswell Co., NC 5/21/10.

Durham Co., NC 3/1/08.

Same individual.

Durham Co., NC 3/1/08.

The subspecies found in the Piedmont of North Carolina, the Upland Chorus Frog, has been split from the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata). Ours was formerly known as Pseudacris triseriata feriarum.

Orange Co., NC 2/12/05.

As you can see, Upland Chorus Frogs are highly variable. They may be plain, striped, or spotted; tan, gray, or almost black.

They're tough to spot, but when you do find one (or a mated pair), they tend to sit still, allowing for good viewing.

Orange Co., NC 2/12/05.

Orange Co., NC 2/12/05.