A medium-sized frog of central US wetlands.

Native status: Native to central US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 4.5–8.5 cm
Weight10–40 g
LifespanWild 4–6 years
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The plains leopard frog is a spotted frog found in North America. It is sometimes referred to as Blair's leopard frog, named after the noted zoologist and University of Texas professor, Dr. W. Frank Blair.

Source: Wikipedia — Plains leopard frog Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized frog with brown to greenish back; small dark spots arranged in rows; distinct yellow-cream dorsolateral ridges.

Similar species. Northern Leopard Frog (eastern range; similar). Pickerel Frog (square spots). Rio Grande Leopard Frog (southwestern range).

Voice. Series of rapid clucks followed by a chuckle.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, snails, occasional small vertebrates.

Behavior. Distinguished from related Northern Leopard Frog (formerly considered same species) by call structure, geography, and dorsal spot pattern. Inhabits prairie wetlands, river bottoms, and roadside ditches across the central US. Shares vulnerability to chytrid fungus, agricultural pesticides, and wetland loss with other ranid frogs.

§ Range

Central US

§ Habitat

Plains wetlands

§ Threats

Wetland drainage.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the plains leopard frog is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support plains wetland conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2014