Pickerel Frog
Rana palustris
Summary: Probably always rare in the region, the current status of this species is uncertain. The only relatively recent valid reports are from Walworth County.
Pickerel frog (Rana palustris)
The pickerel frog, a common frog found in streams and wetlands throughout Connecticut, has a low pitched
grating croak that sounds like a rusty door being opened slowly or a short snore.
Pickerel Frog
(Rana palustris)
DESCRIPTION: Spotted, but with irregular rectangular brown spots in rows. This is the main way to tell them from Leopard Frogs, which have black oval spots.
Pickerel Frog
Rana palustris
photo by John White
Species Description: ...
Pickerel frogs prefer to breed in ephemeral woodland pools, although they may also use permanent ponds, swamps, ditches and backwaters of streams and rivers. Eggs are deposited in a large, globular mass, usually attached to a submerged stick or stem.
My first Pickerel Frog was in a small, steep-sided canyon cut by a spring-fed stream. Caves and small streams are a favorite habitat of this frog. The one at left is a young one from a similar milieu in central Indiana.
Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)
Photos by J.D. Willson unless otherwise noted
Hear call ...
Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)
Description
Habitats
Habits and Life History
Prey and Hunting Techniques ...
Pickerel Frogs are similar to Northern Leopard Frogs in general size and appearance with a few distinct differences.
Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)
DESCRIPTION: Similar to Leopard Frog, however both spots on back and legs of Pickerel Frog are more square in shape, and insides of hind legs are bright yellow or orange. 2 to 3 inches long.
Pickerel frog dorsal view
Sexual dimorphism
The male can be recognized by its swollen thumbs during the breeding season and summer.
Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) ...
Pickerel Frogs have more angular dorsal spots and bright yellow or orange color on the concealed and ventral surfaces of the hindlegs
Natural History:
Habitat: ...
The Pickerel Frog, Rana palustris, may be found in cool waters in Escambia County. It is tan with square brown spots. The insides of the legs and thighs are bright yellow or orange. It may grow to 3" in length. Its call is a low snore.
Common Name: Pickerel Frog
Scientific Name: Rana palustris
Wisconsin Status: protected through regulations ...
There is also, however, one frog that looks deceptively similar called the Pickerel Frog or Rana palustris. The Leopard Frog and the Pickerel Frog can be distinguished by the arrangement of their spots.
Ranidae - True Frogs Bullfrog Pig Frog Green Frog Wood Frog Carpenter Frog Southern Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog Pickerel Frog River Frog Hylidae - Treefrogs and Allies Green Treefrog Pine Barrens Treefrog Squirrel Treefrog Pinewoods ...
Wood Frog - Rana sylvatica
6. Southern Leopard Frog - Rana sphenocephala utricularius5
7. Pickerel Frog - Rana palustris
8. Fowler's Toad - Bufo fowleri
9. Eastern Spadefoot - Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii5 ...
Other anurans seek out a specific type of habitat, such as the pickerel frog which inhabits cool, forested streams of southern Minnesota.
pickerel frog (Rana palustris)
pine woods treefrog (Hyla femoralis)
pygmy salamander (Desmognathus wrighti)
ravine salamander (Plethodon richmondi)
red-cheeked salamander (Plethodon jordani)
red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens) ...
 See also: Pickerel, Leopard, Leopard Frog, Toad, Green Frog
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