Description: This species reaches lengths between 2 to 3.5 inches. The record length is 5 inches. The dorsal coloration is brown, green or some combination. There are a variable number of longitudinally elongated dorsal spots which may be entirely absent. The side of the body has only a few dark spots. There is a distinct light spot in the center of the tympanum and a light line along the upper jaw. The venter is white. Distinct dorso-lateral folds extend the full length of the body. Males are generally smaller, have paired vocal sacs, and enlarged forearms and thumbs. Male vocal sacs are spherical when inflated.
Habitat: Coastal Plains leopard frogs are found in a variety of habitats, including shorelines of temporary ponds, woodland pools, wet meadows, and lake edges with heavy vegetation.
Range: Coastal plains leopard frogs live throughout the southeastern United States and are among the most common frogs in Florida and Alabama. Their range includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Although they do not live in higher elevations, they are found as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. As their name indicates, coastal plains leopard frogs inhabit the entire Atlantic seaboard, living as far north as Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania and southeastern New York.
Diet: Insects are their primary prey item though they also feed on other arthropods and worms. Tadpoles feed on algae and other organic material.
Reproduction: This species breeds in winter or early spring, occasionally in the fall. The male breeding call is described as a series of 3 to 5 guttural croaks followed by 2 or 3 "clucks" resembling the sound made by rubbing an inflated balloon. Males are difficult to approach when calling. The female attaches a cluster of several hundred eggs to vegetation submerged immediately beneath the water surface. The cluster is typically 3.5 inches wide by 1.6 inches thick. Breeding frogs frequently congregate and lay numerous clusters of eggs in a small area. Eggs will hatch in 1 to 2 weeks. Tadpoles are generally 0.75 to 1 inches long. Metamorphosis occurs in about 3 months when the tadpole reaches 2.5 to 2.75 inches. The newly transformed frogs typically are 0.75 inches in length. Some research in Texas has found that this species calls year-round, breeds all months except September, and can be found in the larval stage from November through August. This species was found to produce 3 clutches in one study in Texas.
Status: Although the coastal plains leopard frog remains a common species, habitat destruction is its greatest threat. Species populations become displaced or isolated as a result of urbanization, the destruction of wetlands and water pollution. Fortunately for the coastal plains leopard frog's survival, the species is hardy and adaptable, and thrives anywhere abundant water exists.
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Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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