Interactions

Predators

Tadpoles are a prey item for many organisms because of the fact that they are so small. Fish are tadpoles' main predators as well as predacious beetles, salamanders, water snakes, dragonfly larva, leeches, and water bugs also enjoy snacking on tadpoles. To escape predation from these organisms the tadpoles travel very quickly in short spurts and then remain motionless for long periods of time. Adult spring peepers also have many predators such as: salamanders, owls, snakes, large spiders, turtles, birds, chipmunks and muskrats. 

Parasitic Relationships and Infections

Peepers are also susceptible to many parasites that live inside or outside of their bodies such as: tapeworms, flukes, nematodes, and protists. Spring peepers are also very susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. They often get benign and cancerous skin and mucous membrane tumors. 

Human and Environmental Interactions Many spring peepers are killed on road by vehicles passing by. Also the destruction of their wetlands, forests, and ponds impact the peepers breeding potentials and homes that keep these tiny frogs safe!

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