Lithobates sphenocephalus

Male southern leopard frogs sometimes call while hidden in crayfish burrows.
Photo Credit: Geoffrey A. Hammerson
Lithobates sphenocephalus
Common Name: southern leopard frog
Other Scientific Names: Rana sphenocephala, Rana utricularia
Animal Guild: Amphibian
Class > Order > Family: Amphibia > Anura > Ranidae
What does the species look like? Southern leopard frogs are green or brown, usually with irregularly spaced rounded dark spots on the back and a few dark spots on the sides of the body. A continuous usually yellowish ridge extends along each side of the back. The snout is pointed, and usually there is a light spot in the center of the eardrum. The hind toes are extensively webbed. Maximum size is around 5.1 inches (13 cm) snout-vent length. Breeding males have vocal sacs at the angles of the jaw; the sacs are spherical when inflated. The forelimbs of mature males are more massive than those of females, and the base of the thumb is larger in males than in females. The breeding call is a short chuckling or ratchetlike trill. Larvae have faint to dark mottling on the body and tail, and the eyes are positioned on top of the head, not along the margin of the head, when viewed from above. Maximum size of larvae is about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in total length. Egg masses are baseball sized when the jelly is fully expanded and contain roughly 1,000-1,500 eggs.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
Distribution

Range includes the lowlands of the southeastern, south-central, and eastern United States, from southern New York to the Florida Keys, and west to eastern Kansas, central Oklahoma, and eastern Texas.

Southern leopard frogs occur in the vicinity of virtually any freshwater habitat and in some locations inhabit slightly brackish marshes. In summer they may disperse from water into moist upland vegetation. Breeding occurs in still, shallow, permanent or temporary waters of many kinds. Males call usually from shallow or deep water while floating or submerged. Egg masses may be attached to vegetation or float free in shallow water.

General Phenology and Life History Southern leopard frogs are inactive during cold weather in winter in the northern part of the range. Breeding occurs usually in March-June in the northern part of the range and in any month in the far south (but often November-March with filling of ephemeral ponds). Individual females deposit globular masses of usually more than 1,000 eggs. Larvae hatch within a few to several days and metamorphose in summer or fall, or they may overwinter and metamorphose the following year.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults on land
One or more adults are seen at rest or active on land.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Adults in water
One or more adults are seen at rest or active in water.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Reproduction Vocalizing
One or more individuals are heard vocalizing.

What is the intensity of vocalizing?

  • Single calls: There is space between calls and individuals can be counted.
  • Overlapping calls: Calls of individuals can be distinguished but there is some overlapping of calls.
  • Full chorus: Calls are constant and overlapping.
Mating
A female is seen grasped and held by a male.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Fresh eggs
Eggs are seen being extruded, an egg mass is seen with jelly not expanded to full size, or embryos that are more or less spherical are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.