A medium-sized frog of Pacific Northwest waters. Distinguished from other ranid frogs by subtle features.

Native status: Native to Pacific Northwest

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 4–10 cm
Weight15–80 g
LifespanWild 5–9 years
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The pickerel frog is a small North American frog, characterized by the appearance of seemingly "hand-drawn" squares on its dorsal surface.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium brown to olive frog; dark spots on back; smooth skin; dorsolateral folds.

Similar species. Northern Red-legged Frog (red legs). Other Pacific Northwest Rana species.

Voice. Soft growling call.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Common medium-sized frog of Pacific Northwest wetlands. Highly variable in coloration; brown to greenish with dark spots.

§ Range

Pacific Northwest

§ Habitat

Lakes, ponds, slow streams

§ Threats

Wetland loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support Pacific Northwest wetland conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Pacific Northwest Wildlife
  • IUCN Red List 2014