Pickerel Frog
Lithobates palustris
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by John Himmelman in Killingworth
Listen to call:
Description
Pickerel frogs are around one to three inches long, and can be tan, gray, or greenish in color. They have white bellies and two rows of dark rectangular spots running down their backs. Sometimes these spots may blend into each other and form long lines. Generally these frogs have a light line running along their upper lip. Their dorsolateral ridges are a lighter color, and the underside of their legs are orange or yellow. Females grow larger than males and appear darker in color.
Habitat
This species prefers shallow water that is cold and clear. Often they are found along shores of water or in tall grass near vernal pools. They can also be found in rocky ravines and wooded swamps. In the cooler months, they may congregate in caves.
Behavior
Pickerel frogs are active from April to October. During the winter, they hibernate on the bottom of aquatic habitats underneath muck and debris. They eat most insects, like ants, beetles,
and spiders. Some of their predators include larger frogs and many snakes. When threatened, it is common for them to jump into water. They may also release toxic skin emissions that irritate human’s skin, and can cause death in many small animals. Pickerel frogs are the only poisonous frog native to the United States. Due to this, many predators leave them alone. These frogs breed from April to May. They can be seen in both permanent and temporary waters, as long as they are well vegetated. They preferably breed in marshes. Males call from under the water, and females can lay 2,000 to 3,000 eggs. These eggs are attached to sticks or vegetation under the water.
Range
Present
Photographed by Stephanie Campbel
Often Confused with
Northern Leopard Frog
Photographed by Eric M. Powell
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.
Pickerel Frog
Photographed by Stephanie Campbel
Often Confused with
Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Photo needed! Email ajones7428@gmail.com
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.