Scientific Name: Lithobates clamitans
Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant
Habitat Type:
Small ponds, marshes, swamps, the border of lakes , small streams and large rivers.
Colorations:
- The dorsal background color varies from bright green to dark green or greenish brown. The dorsum is usually immaculate or may have small dark maculations.
- The sides of the head are bright green
- The ventral is cream to white and is immaculate or may have reticulated dark lines.
Characteristics:
- Large species.
- The body is robust.
- The head is short and broad with a rounded snout.
- The eyes are large and located high on top of the head.
- Dorsolateral folds are present on the body.
- The fore legs are short and heavy.
- The hind legs are long and muscular with long, webbed toes.
- The dorsal skin is slightly rough and granular
- The ventral skin is smooth.
Tadpole coloration and characteristics:
- Large-sized. Average 9-10 cm
- The dorsal and head color is dark with black maculations.
- The ventral is yellowish.
- The eyes are positioned high on the head.
- The tail and tail crest has multiple black blotches.
Confused with:
- Bullfrog
Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
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Tadpoles
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Eggs
Range Map:

References:
- Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 164-167pp.
Photo Credits:
- Wayne Fidler
- Jeff Hankey
- Bob Hamilton
- Jaon Poston
- Kyle Loucks