Rana pipiens

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.

DESCRIPTION

• The northern leopard frog is a fairly large species of frog, reaching about 11 cm (4.3 inches) in snout-to-vent length.

• It varies in dorsal color from green to brown, featuring large, dark, circular spots on its back, sides, and legs. Each spot is typically bordered by a lighter ring.

• A pair of dorsolateral folds starting from the back of the eye runs parallel to each other down the back. These dorsolateral folds are often lighter in color, occasionally appearing pinkish.

• Additionally, a pale stripe runs from the nostril, under the eye and tympanum, terminating at the shoulder.

• The ventral surface is white or pale green.

• The iris is golden, and the toes are webbed.

• Tadpoles of this species are dark brown or grey, with light blotches on the underside. The tail is pale tan.

REPRODUCTION

• It breeds once a year, in the spring, when water temperatures reach 8-12 degrees Celsius (46-54 degrees Fahrenheit).

• Male leopard frogs arrive at breeding ponds earlier than females and begin calling to attract mates.

• When a female arrives, the male leopard frog will mount her back and grasp her tightly with his forelimbs. This position is called amplexus.

• The male leopard frog will then release sperm into the water, which will fertilize the female's eggs as she lays them.

• Female leopard frogs lay their eggs in large masses, which can contain several thousand eggs.

• The egg masses are attached to aquatic plants or other objects in the water.

• The eggs hatch into tadpoles within 2-3 weeks.

• Leopard frog tadpoles are herbivores and feed on algae and other aquatic plants.

• Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, which is the process of transforming from an aquatic larva to a terrestrial adult.

• Metamorphosis takes about 6-8 weeks for leopard frog tadpoles.

• Adult leopard frogs are carnivores and feed on a variety of insects and other invertebrates.

• Leopard frogs can live for up to 10 years in the wild.

HABITAT

Northern leopard frogs have a wide range of habitats. They are found in permanent ponds, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams throughout forest, open, and urban areas. They normally inhabit water bodies with abundant aquatic vegetation. In the summer, they often abandon ponds and move to grassy areas and lawns.