Family Ranidae – True Frogs

Southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala)

Southern Leopard Frog

• Description: 2-5 inches; similar in appearance to pickerel frog; green to brownish with elongated dark spots which usually have light borders; two ridges present on back running from behind eye to area of groin; belly whitish and unmarked.

• Distribution: Relatively common statewide.

• Breeding period: Normally breeds in late winter to early spring, but breeding can occur throughout the year after heavy rains.

• Breeding sites: Permanent and semi-permanent ponds, lakes, swamps or flooded ditches.

• Voice: Guttural, rolling series of clucks and croaks.

• Comments: Recorded on Upper Ross Barnett Reservoir in Rankin County.