Description:L. onca has a snout-vent length between 44 and 87 mm, and is distinquished from similar species of the Rana pipiens complex by its short, indistinct, dorsolaterl folds that extend 1/2 to 3/4 down the dorsum, generally shortened legs, an incomplete supralabial stripe, upper surfaces of the thighs usually spotted and not barred, and males having enlarged tympana, paired vocal sacs, and no vestigial oviducts. It has a dorsum which is brown, gray, or greenish above, with discrete greenish-brown spots that are usually reduced or faded on the front of the body. These dorsal spots are indefinitely bordered and are usually present on the upper surfaces of the thighs. Usually, the venter is whitish, and the throat has dark mottling. The groin and the undersides of the hind limbs are yellow to yellow-orange.
Habitat: Historically, this frog probably occupied a variety of habitats including springs, streams, and wetlands characterized by clean, clear water, in both deep and shallow water, and cover such as submerged, emergent, and perimeter vegetation. Leopard frogs generally require shallow water with emergent and perimeter vegetation for foraging and basking, and deeper water, root masses, undercut banks, and debris piles for cover and hibernacula. Emergent or submergent vegetation provides cover and egg-deposition substrate. Adults appear to prefer relatively open shorelines where dense vegetation does not dominate. The recently extant populations inhabit spring systems with largely unaltered hydrology and no introduced American bullfrogs or game fishes
Range: It is found along the Colorado river in extreme northwestern Arizona, and adjacent Nevada and southwestern Utah, although its present range seems to be restricted to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Diet: Adults probably are mainly invertivorous. Larvae probably eat algae, organic debris, plant tissue, and minute organisms in water.
Reproduction: Information is incomplete due to inadequate study; eggs have been found in November and February; calling has been heard in February, June, November. Individuals reach sexual maturity in 1 to 2 years, and some likely live 4 to 5 years or more.
Status: It is threatened by habitat loss to agriculture and water development as well as invasive species.
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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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