pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This is a medium sized frog, males 46-64 mm,
females 49-79 mm. They are gray or tan with a double row of squarish
blotches between the complete dorsolateral folds. The belly is white or
yellowish. The concealed surface of the hind legs yellow or orange. This
species breeds from April to May and often gathers in large numbers in
small areas. The brown and bright yellow eggs are submerged, attached
to twigs or grass stems and number 2000-3000. The eggs are 1.6 mm
in diameter. This species is quite active, often found far from water in
the summer. The voice is a weak snore with a duration of 1 to 3 seconds
and calls are given from above and below the water. Few snakes will eat
pickerel frogs because of noxious skin secretions.

 

DISTRIBUTION: The pickerel frog is found statewide except for ex-

treme southeastern Virginia and much of the Eastern Shore. This species

is often found in sphagnum bogs, rocky ravines, and meadow streams.

 

FOODS: The pickerel frog is an insectivore.

 

 

Back to Invntory of Amphibian Families and Species