Northern Leopard Frog

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
La Rana Leopardo Nortena - en Español
Species code: RAPI

What they look like: The backs of adult northern leopard frogs and juveniles are a green or brown base color - covered with large, oval dark spots, regular in outline, and surrounded by a lighter border. The underside is white to cream, with some pinkish patches on the feet.

These medium-sized frogs have large hind legs with dark bars. A white stripe runs along the upper jaw and back to the shoulder. The skin is smooth. (see photo)

Adult Northern Leopard Frogs range from 5.5 to 10 centimetres from nose to rump. Females are somewhat larger than males.

Tadpoles are dark brown or grey, with light blotches on the underside. The tail is pale tan.

Where they live: The northern leopard frog ranges through the northern part of North American, but have limited distribution on the Pacific Coast. The can be found living near ponds and marshes.

What they eat: Carnivore (meat eater). The northern leopard frog eats a wide variety of animals including ants, beetles, flies, worms, and smaller frogs. Using their large mouth, they can even swallow birds, and garter snakes.

Reproduction: The Northern Leopard Frog breeds between late April and early June in a variety of habitats including marshes, ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams.

Each female mates once, lays a single egg mass with thousands of eggs - then leaves the pond.

Behavior: In summer, adults and juveniles commonly feed in open or semi-open wet meadows and fields with short vegetation. The meadows are usually near water where they seek cover underwater.

Did you know?

• The northern leopard frog lives 2 to 4 years in the wild.
  
• Sometimes they are called "meadow frogs" because they can be found around meadows.
• A group of frogs is called an army.