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Northern Leopard Frog ( Frog )
 
Leopard frogs,
which are also called meadow frogs and grass frogs, are a
collection of so-called
true frogs within the
genus
Rana. Once abundant in
North America and
Canada, their population has declined in recent years due to
pollution and
deforestation. Leopard frogs are often used as
environmental
indicator species because of their heightened sensitivity to
chemical pollutants found in the air and water and are commonly used as
dissection specimens in
biology classrooms.
Leopard frogs are recognized by
their green or brown coloration with distinct light-edged dark spots across the
back and pure white underside. They also have a characteristic line of raised
glandular
skin, called the
dorsolateral ridge, extending from each
eye to the
groin. Some species also have a light marking on the center of their
tympanic membrane. Males have two
vocal sacs, located on both sides of the
body, used to attract mates and establish territory. The adult ranges in size
from about 5–11
cm (2–5
in) in length, depending on the species, with females generally larger than
males.
During mating season, the female
lays 3,000–6,000 eggs, with each egg approximately 1.7
mm in diameter, in a large, flattened mass just below water surface. These
eggs will attach to the pond substrate and one month after the eggs are laid,
tadpoles emerge approximately 65–83 mm in length. The leopard frog will
reach sexual maturity 2–3 years after eggs are laid and have a lifespan of 6–9
years
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