It won't be long before you see or hear a Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), one of the first frogs to emerge in the spring from its dormant state of brumation (similar to hibernation in mammals). Unlike most other frog species that have to overwinter underwater or below the frost line, Wood Frogs are able to survive just inches below the surface of the leaf litter.
The reason they can tolerate freezing temperatures is that their liver produces antifreeze-like glucose which is concentrated in vital organs and prevents ice crystals from forming that would injure the frog. Thanks to this adaptation, up to 65 % of the water in their body can freeze. Their heart stops beating, their brain and kidneys stop functioning, their respiration ceases and they become as solid as a rock during this period. However, with the onset of spring the frozen frogs start thawing and regain consciousness within 24 hours. Soon thereafter they head for their breeding pools.
N.B: For readers in the Northeast, tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, it's supposed to be rainy and if it's 40 degrees or milder conditions will be perfect for the"Big Night," when Wood Frogs, Peepers, and mole salamanders migrate to breeding pools.
Naturally Curious is supported by donations. If you choose to contribute, you may go to http://www.naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com and click on the yellow "donate" button.
No comments:
Post a Comment