Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Lithobates kauffeldi
Conservation Status:
State Status: None (Under Review)
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Listen to call:
Description
The Atlantic coast leopard frog is a newly described species, being discovered to be separate from its close relative, the Northern leopard frog, in 2014. This is a medium sized frog, growing two to four inches long. Their smooth skin can range in color from shades of green to gray. These colors may change between night and day, darker tones being apparent at night and lighter ones during the day. There is
Habitat
a white spot on the center of the eardrums. This species gets its name from the dark spots covering their back and legs, resembling that of a leopard. Two lighter lines run from behind their eyes down their back. Their bellies are white.
Atlantic coast leopard frogs can most often be found in large wetland areas, such as marshes or slow moving water. They can also be found in open
vegetated spaces. They prefer clear, shallow water.
Behavior
The breeding season peaks in late March and early April, with migration taking place in February. Males float in shallow water in groups, and begin choruses of mating calls at night. This call does not travel far, which may be why they do this in groups. Eggs are laid in clusters.
Range
Present
Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
Often Confused with
Northern Leopard Frog
Photographed by Eric M. Powell
These two types of leopard frogs are very visually similar. Atlantic coast leopard frogs have fewer spots than northern leopard frogs, and they generally appear smaller. The coloration on the back of the Atlantic coast leopard frog’s legs is also darker.
Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
Often Confused with
Pickerel Frog
Photographed by Stephanie Campbel
Atlantic coast leopard frogs have a white spot on their eardrum, while pickerel frogs do not. The spots found on the leopard frog are round and appear randomly across the skin, but pickerel frogs have larger rectangular spots that often come in two rows. Pickerel frogs have snouts that are more blunt, and a bright yellow coloring on the underside of their hind legs.