Pickerel frog - Rana palustris

Size: 1 3/4 - 3 1/4 inches (4.5-8 cm)

Voice: Quiet, long drawn-out snore. Similar to the northern leopard frog, but lacking the chuckle at the end.

Identification: Similar to northern leopard frog but spots located between dorsolateral folds along the back are paired and rectangular, not rounded. Bright yellow coloration inside the thighs. Skin gland secretions make this frog distasteful to most potential predators.

Life stages: Eggs are laid under water attached to vegetation in a globular mass. They hatch in about two weeks and transform in 60 to 80 days.

Breeding habitat: Backwaters of rivers and streams.

Summer habitat: Inhabits cool, clear water of wooded streams with a dense forest canopy. Feeds in grassy openings adjacent to streams.

Winter habitat: Aquatic, rivers and streams.

Photo: ©A.B. Sheldon.