Pickerel Frog - NJ

Pickerel Frog & Thermoregulation
The Pickerel Frog is a small amphibian located in Northern America. Its brown colour and dark irregular rectangular spots not only allow it to camouflage in foliage but allow it to absorb heat quickly during the day. Pickerel Frogs are seasonal breeders meaning that they are only active between the months of April - October where mating is likely to occur. During winter months, the frogs hibernate in the bottom debris of their aquatic habitats. As a result the rate of metabolic activity decreases in an effort to conserve energy as well as respond to the decreasing temperature of the external environment. Often the Pickerel Frog will stay in water when temperatures significantly increase because of water's high specific heat capacity. This means means that water does not heat up as quickly as the open surroundings thus preventing the frog from overheating. Another behavioural adaptation is that when temperatures do increase above optimum, the frog will often reside in thick foliage, away from direct sunlight and therefore prevent itself from overheating.