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Southern Leopard Frog
Description
2-3 ½” (5.1-9cm). Dark rounded spots on back rarely have white margins, and are usually smaller than the eye. Light spot on external eardrum. No dark spot on snout. Head is narrow and pointier than northern leopard frog. Green, brown, or a mix of the two. Dorsolateral ridge extends from eye down back.
Call Description
Series of low pitched, throaty, guttural notes that are chuckle-like. Last 2-3 seconds or an explosive croak.
Indiana Range
West-central and southern Indiana.
Diet
Insects, earthworms, spiders, centipedes, snails, beetles, and smaller frogs.
Habitat
Broad array of areas including, floodplain swamps, woodland ponds, sloughs, marshes, wet meadows, and streams.
Breeding Habitat
Marshes, wetlands, fishless ponds, and roadside ditches.
Breeding Season
Early March to May
Eggs
Females may deposit 3,000-5,000 eggs in globular clusters. Usually laid in shallow water and attached to submerged vegetation a few inches below the surface of the water. Hatch in 1-2 weeks.
Tadpoles
Olive brown to green with dark spots. Belly iridescent with visible internal organs. Tail lighter than body, transparent tail fins with dark lines.