Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) - Ohio Herp Atlas

Northern Leopard Frog Lithobates pipiens

Length 2 – 3 1/2 in. (5-9 cm). Northern Leopard Frogs are so named for the black “leopard spots” on their back, sides, and legs. They are fairly common throughout Ohio in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from the margins of lakes and rivers to marshes and wet meadows. During summer, they are often encountered in meadows away from any permanent body of water, hence the common names “Grass Frog” and “Meadow Frog.” From mid-March through May, ponds, streams, marshes, and even temporarily flooded fields are used for breeding grounds. The male’s call is a low, guttural grunting like the sound produced by rubbing a thumb over a balloon. Leopard Frogs sing even when totally submerged in water.

Text courtesy of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/id%20guides/pub348.pdf

Distribution Map
Distribution of the Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Photographs
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)