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




Tadpoles

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