A medium-sized frog that lives in crayfish burrows for shelter. Among very few US frogs that depend on crayfish for habitat.

Native status: Native to central US; declining

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 6.5–11 cm
Weight15–80 g
LifespanWild 4–8 years
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The crawfish frog is a medium-sized species of frog native to the prairies and grasslands of the central United States. It gets its name because it inhabits the burrows of crayfish for most of the year. They have defined golden or black circles all over their body.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-large brown frog with dark eye stripe; smooth skin; folds along dorsolateral edges; large yellowish-cream belly.

Similar species. Bullfrog (much larger). Pickerel Frog (square spots).

Voice. Loud sustained "snore" or "snoring" sound.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, occasional crustaceans.

Behavior. Inhabits prairie wetlands; spends most of life inside crayfish burrows (the source of the common name). Emerges to breed in temporary wetlands during heavy spring rains. Declines throughout much of historical range due to wetland loss; state-threatened or state-endangered in multiple states.

§ Range

Central and southern US

§ Habitat

Prairie wetlands, agricultural areas

§ Threats

Wetland loss, crayfish population declines.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the crawfish frog is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support prairie wetland conservation. Maintain crayfish populations.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • State wildlife agencies
  • IUCN Red List 2014