Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens Family: True Frogs (Ranidae) Size: 2-3.5" (5-9 cm) Description: Various morphs, most green or brown with 2-4 rows of dark round spots of varied sizes on the back and sides. White belly. White chin. Pronounced dorsolateral folds. Light line on upper lip. Dark bars across hind legs. May have a slight green wash to inside thighs of hind legs.

Eggs/Young: 500-5,000 eggs once per year in masses; tadpoles hatch in 7-28 days and most transform in 60-90 days; will hatch and transform faster in warmer water Origin/Age: native; 8-10 years Habitat: wetlands, ponds, lakes, meadows, fields near water Overwinter: underwater; burrows into mud at the bottom of lakes and larger ponds Food: beetles, crickets, and other insects, frogs, slugs, snails Compare: Pickerel Frog (pg. 189) has 2 rows of squarish spots on its back and a yellow wash to the inside of its thighs. Stan's Notes: One of our most widespread and common frogs. Found throughout the northern central regions of the Midwest. Can give a loud scream or low vibrating buzz when seized. Emerges in April. Will travel up to a mile to get to breeding ponds. Usually seen crossing roads with long leaping bounds.

Breeding starts when water temperatures rise above 65 ºF (18 ºC). Male gives a low, guttural snore call lasting 2-4 seconds followed by several clucks and croaks. Moves from ponds to fields and meadows in summer if there is enough rain. Moves back to wintering lakes in autumn and seen crossing roads. Populations have decreased over the previous 30-50 years due to environmental toxins, habitat loss, and overharvesting for biological supply and fishing bait.