A medium-sized leopard frog of Rio Grande and adjacent waters.

Native status: Native to Rio Grande drainage

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 5–8 cm
Weight15–45 g
LifespanWild 4–6 years
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Rio Grande leopard frog is a species of aquatic frog native to the southern United States in Texas and New Mexico, and south through Mexico and Central America. It is also sometimes referred to as the Mexican leopard frog. The epithet berlandieri is in honor of the naturalist Jean Louis Berlandier, who worked for the Mexican government on one of the first biological surveys of Texas.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium brown to olive frog; small dark spots arranged in rows; bright yellow-green dorsolateral folds.

Similar species. Other Lithobates leopard frogs (different ranges). Northern Leopard Frog. Plains Leopard Frog.

Voice. Snore-like rumble.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders.

Behavior. Inhabits springs, ponds, and slow streams of Rio Grande drainage. Restricted to specific southwestern aquatic habitats; populations sensitive to water diversions and invasive bullfrogs.

§ Range

Southwestern US, Mexico

§ Habitat

Rio Grande basin wetlands

§ Threats

Invasive bullfrog competition, habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support Rio Grande conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • USGS PWRC
  • IUCN Red List 2014