Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates pipiens
What it is
The northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens or Rana pipiens) 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.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Found across much of the northern United States, by ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams, and wet meadows.
- How to find it
- Listen for their croaking near water at night. Look for them along the grassy edges of ponds during the day.
- Best time of day
- Evenings and night, spring and summer
How it lives
- What it eats
- Insects, spiders, worms
- What eats it
- Snakes, birds, fish, raccoons
Worth knowing
- The spots on its back can be black, brown, or dark green.
- They can jump many times their own body length.
- Their call sounds like a low, rumbling snore, sometimes with a chuckle.
- Some people think their call sounds like a squeaky balloon.
- They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for a long time.
- They can change their skin color slightly to blend in better.
Why it matters
These frogs are like tiny environmental alarms, showing us if water is clean. They also eat many insects, helping gardens and farms.