Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates pipiens
Conservation Status:
Photographed by Carrie White Szwed in Litchfield
Listen to call:
Description
Northern leopard frogs grow to about three to four inches. They can be green, silvery, or brown in color. Dark spots are littered across their backs, which are each surrounded by a thin lighter ring. This frog's stomach is tan or white, and the dorsolateral ridges that run from behind each eye down the back are a lighter color.
Habitat
This species can be found in permanent bodies of water with a lot of aquatic vegetation. This includes floodplains of river systems, ponds, bogs, canals, lake edges, or urban areas.
Behavior
Northern leopard frogs eat a variety of animals such as insects, worms, and
smaller frogs. They have even been seen fitting birds and garter snakes in their mouths. Some predators of this species are snakes, raccoons, and bigger frogs. When threatened, they rely on their speed to get away, often fleeing in a zigzag pattern. These frogs breed from March to June, usually congregating in vegetated vernal pools or flooded areas. Up to 6,500 eggs are laid and attached to submerged vegetation.
Range
Present
Northern Leopard Frog
Photographed by Eric M. Powell
Often Confused with
Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
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.
Northern Leopard Frog
Photographed by Eric M. Powell
Often Confused with
Pickerel Frog
Photographed by Stephanie Campbel
The spots found on northern leopard frogs 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.