A northern leopard frog photographed at Toledo Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio
A northern leopard frog photographed at Toledo Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio
Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Northern Leopard Frog

Common Name:
Northern Leopard Frog
Scientific Name:
Lithobates pipiens
Type:
Amphibians
Diet:
Carnivore
Group Name:
Army
Average Life Span In The Wild:
2 to 4 years
Size:
3 to 5 inches
IUCN Red List Status:
Least concern
Current Population Trend:
Decreasing

The northern leopard frog is perhaps most recognizable as the formaldehyde-soaked specimen in the high school lab tray.

Population Decline

Once the most abundant and widespread frog species in North America, leopard frogs were widely collected not only for dissection but for the food industry (frog legs) as well.

However, massive declines beginning in the early 1970s, particularly in Canada and the western United States, have significantly reduced their numbers. Scientists have not determined the cause of the declines, but it is likely a combination of ecological factors: pollution, deforestation, and water acidity.

Coloring and Size

Northern leopard frogs are so named for the array of irregularly shaped dark spots that adorn their backs and legs. They are greenish-brown in color with a pearly white underside and light-colored ridges on either side of their backs. They are considered medium-size, reaching lengths of 3 to 5 inches, nose to rump. Females are slightly larger than males.

Range and Habitat

Their range is most of northern North America, except on the Pacific Coast. They generally live near ponds and marshes, but will often venture into well-covered grasslands as well, earning them their other common name, the meadow frog.

Diet

Leopard frogs will eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths. They sit still and wait for prey to happen by, then pounce with their powerful legs. They eat beetles, ants, flies, worms, smaller frogs, including their own species, and even birds, and garter snakes.

This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.
Photograph by G. McKay, National Geographic Your Shot

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