Scientific Name: Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius
Size: 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) in length
PA Status: Endangered Species

Habitat Type:
Marshlands, swamps, ponds, and the margin of slow-moving rivers and streams.

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color varies from bright green to dark brown or a combination of both that may give the appearance of green mottling on a brown background.
• The dorsal a lateral surfaces of the head, body, and appendages are covered with large to medium sized rounded dark spots.
• A white strip runs along the sides of the head from the snout, below the tympanum, and to the insertion of the forelegs.
• The tympanum has a light or white colored central spot.
• The dorsolateral folds are white.
• The ventral is white.

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
• Northern 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. 174-178pp.

Photo Credits:

• Bob Ferguson
• Billy Brown
• Kyle Loucks
• Jason Poston