Leopard frog
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| Leopard frog | ||||||||||||
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 Leopard Frog, unknown species | ||||||||||||
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Rio Grande Leopard Frog, R. berlandieri |
Leopard frogs, which are also called meadow frogs and grass frogs, are a collection of so-called true frogs within the genus Rana. Once abundant in North America and Canada, their population has declined in recent years due to pollution and deforestation. Leopard frogs are often used as environmental indicator species because of their heightened sensitivity to chemical pollutants found in the air and water and are commonly used as dissection specimens in biology classrooms.
Northern_leopard_frog.jpg
Leopard frogs are recognized by their green or brown coloration with distinct light-edged dark spots across the back and pure white underside. They also have a characteristic line of raised glandular skin, called the dorsolateral ridge, extending from each eye to the groin. Some species also have a light marking on the center of their tympanic membrane. Males have two vocal sacs, located on both sides of the body, used to attract mates and establish territory. The adult ranges in size from about 5–11 cm (2–5 in) in length, depending on the species, with females generally larger than males.
During mating season, the female lays 3,000–6,000 eggs, with each egg approximately 1.7 mm in diameter, in a large, flattened mass just below water surface. These eggs will attach to the pond substrate and one month after the eggs are laid, tadpoles emerge approximately 65–83 mm in length. The leopard frog will reach sexual maturity 2–3 years after eggs are laid and have a lifespan of 6–9 years.
External links
- Leopard frog at Western Ecological Research Centre (http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/rapi.htm)