The classic green-with-black-spots "biology class" frog — once incredibly common, now declining sharply across western range. The species was the focus of a major mass die-off in the 1980s linked to chytrid fungus.

Also called: Meadow Frog, Grass Frog

Native status: Native; declining in western range

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 5–10 cm (2–4 in); rarely to 12 cm
Weight20–80 g
LifespanWild typically 2–4 years; captive 9+
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

Lithobates pipiens formerly Rana pipiens, commonly known as the northern leopard frog, is a species of leopard frog from the true frog family, native to parts of Canada and the United States. It is the state amphibian of Minnesota and Vermont.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized green or brown frog with bold rounded dark spots ringed in light borders; pale belly; pale ridges down each side of back.

Similar species. Pickerel Frog (square-edged spots, not round; bright yellow groin). Southern Leopard Frog (different range). Other Lithobates species.

Voice. Long snore-like rattling call followed by chuckling notes.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, slugs, worms, smaller amphibians, even small fish and small mammals when available.

Behavior. Once one of the most common frogs across the northern US; populations declined dramatically across western range (50–95% reductions in some states). Causes include habitat loss, agricultural pollution, ranavirus, chytrid fungus, and competition from invasive American Bullfrogs. Subject of major historical biological supply industry — millions collected annually for dissection through the 1970s; this practice contributed to declines.

§ Range

Across the northern US and Canada to the Rockies

§ Habitat

Open meadows near ponds, lakeshores, slow streams

§ Threats

Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), pesticides causing developmental deformities, wetland loss.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Don't buy live amphibians for bait or pets across regions. Reduce lawn pesticide use. Volunteer for FrogWatch USA monitoring.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USGS PWRC
  • Northern Leopard Frog Conservation Initiative
  • IUCN Red List 2014