Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification
Guide
Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris
 |
The Pickerel Frog is characterized by the appearance of "hand-drawn"
squares on their dorsal surface. All other leopard frogs have circular
spots. |
| Occasionally such as in this photo, the squares may blend together to
form a long rectangle. In addition, the Pickerel Frogs have prominent
dorsolateral ridges that are unbroken. |
 |
 |
A very distinguishing mark of the Pickerel Frogs is the orange or yellow
coloring found within the hind legs. The frog will have to picked up to
examine this as the legs cover the coloration otherwise. The Plains Leopard
Frog exhibits this coloration as well, but the dorsolateral
ridges are inset medially in this species. |
| The Pickerel Frog ranges in the west from much of Wisconsin, southeast
Minnesota, eastern Iowa, through Missouri and down to eastern Texas. To
the east they extend through northern Louisiana, most of Mississippi,
northern Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina to the coast. Their northern
range extends into Canada in the southern reaches of Ontario, Quebec,
New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The range is really spotty through the
midwestern states and a field guide should be obtained for the specifics
on ranges in a particular area. |
 |
Another photo of the Pickerel Frog.
 |
 |
Notice: All images contained hereafter are the
property of the said photographer. They are not to be reproduced, copied,
printed, stored, or distributed without written permission
of the photographer.
