Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog

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

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

Description:
Medium-sized species. The 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 upper and side 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 underside is white.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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.
Adult 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.
Larvae 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.
Range:

Adult Gallery:

Listen to Calls:

May be Confused With:

Northern Leopard Frog

Pickerel Frog
References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 174-178pp.
Credits:
  • Marlin Corn
  • Dave Fitzpatrick

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