A Field Study of the Kansas Ant-Eating Frog, Gastrophryne olivacea

In this detailed field study the author explores the tiny yet abundant ant‑eating frog that thrives on a Kansas university reservation. Although one of the smallest vertebrates in the area, its sheer numbers give it a surprisingly large ecological footprint. By charting six years of observations—from 1949 through 1954—the work reveals how this secretive, underground dweller fits into a broader community of insects and larger animals, and why its northern range is noteworthy among its mostly tropical relatives.

Listeners will hear how systematic capture, marking, and long‑term monitoring uncovered patterns in population size, breeding habits, and seasonal activity. The study also contrasts the Kansas frog with its southern cousin, highlighting subtle differences in coloration, calls, and behavior that persist even where their ranges overlap. Through clear explanations and vivid field notes, the account offers a window into the hidden lives of an often‑overlooked amphibian and its role in the prairie ecosystem.