Wood Frog

Scientific Name: Lithobates sylvaticus
Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Moist or lowland deciduous forest. During mating season they may be found near standing bodies of water (temporary or permanent ) located in or adjacent to forest.

Colorations:

  • The dorsal background color varies from grey brown to dark brown or reddish brown.
  • The head has a dark brown line that forms a mask that extends from the snout, though the eyes, and ends at the posterior of the tympanum.
  • The hind legs have dark crossbars,
  • The ventral is white to cream-colored.

Characteristics:

  • Moderate-sized species
  • The head is wide with a rounded snout.
  • The tympanic membrane is smaller than the eye.
  • The dorsolateral folds are well-developed and extends to the posterior of the body.
  • The fore limbs are are short and moderately developed with short toes that lack webbing.
  • The hind legs are long and slender with long toes that are webbed.
  • The dorsal skin is slightly wrinkled.
  • The ventral skin is smooth.

Tadpole coloration and characteristics:

  • Moderate-sized. Average 4-5cm
  • The dorsal and sides are dark green with fine gold flecks.
  • The belly is pale and iridescent.
  • The eyes are located high on the sides of the head.
  • The tail is lighter than the body.
  • The tail crest is high and spotted with black.

Confused with:

  • Juveniles may be confused with the Mountain Chorus Frog.

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Wood Frog - By: Bob Hamilton Wood Frog - By: Bob Hamilton Wood Frog - By: Bob Ferguson
Wood Frog - By: Bob Ferguson Wood Frog - By: Bob Ferguson Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson
Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson
Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson Wood Frog - By: Jeff Slawson Wood Frog - By: Wayne Fidler
Wood Frog - By: Wayne Fidler
Tadpoles
Wood Frog - Eggs - By: Kyle Loucks
Eggs
Wood Frog - Eggs - By: Jason Poston Wood Frog - Eggs - By: Kyle Loucks Wood Frog - Eggs - By: Kyle Loucks

Range Map:

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 179-183pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Jeff Slawson
  • Wayne Fidler
  • Bob Ferguson
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Kyle Loucks
  • Jason Poston