Scientific Name: Lithobates pipiens
Size: 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
The margin of vegetated ponds, lakes, slow moving rivers, streams, as well as marshy and swampy areas. During mating season it maybe found in less permanent habitats. This species can also be found far from a water source in places like meadows, fields, and woodlands in warmer months.

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color varies from bright green to dark greenish brown or brown.
• The dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head. body and appendages have multiple circular spots that are brown or black. The spots are bordered by a thin white or yellow margin. The dorsal spots are rarely in rows, but more often randomly scattered over the back.
• A light white line extends from the snout to a point just above the shoulder, behind the tympanic membrane.
• The ventral surfaces are immaculate white, except the lower jaw may sometimes be dusky.
  

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized species
• The body is moderately slender.
• The head is elongate with a slightly pointed snout.
• The eyes are large and are positioned high on the side of the head.
• The tympanum is smaller than the eye.
• The legs are strong and muscular.
• The toes are pointed and lack webbing.
• The dorsal skin is smooth with some granular ridges.
• The ventral skin is smooth.

Tadpole coloration and characteristics:

• Larger-sized. Average 6-8.5cm
• The dorsum is olive green to brown.
• The ventral is white.
• The tail is lighter in color than the body.
• The tail crest is translucent.
• Both the tail and tail crest are covered with dark spots and lines.
  

Confused with:

• Pickerel Frog
• Southern Leopard Frog

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. 170-174pp.

Photo Credits:

• Wayne Fidler
• Bob Hamilton
• Jason Poston