(Rana pipiens)
The Northern Leopard Frog can be located in the Archaeology Pond within the Trent Nature Areas. This is the fourth species to begin calling in the spring, following the Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers and Chorus Frogs. This species is defined as a prolonged breeder, however, it is often found calling and mating within ephemeral ponds.
Northern Leopard Frogs are small green frogs with brown leopard prints covering their legs, back and sides. These are medium sized frogs, ranging in lenght from 5.1 to 9 cm long. Their bellies and snouts are a pale yellow color, much the same color as the two strips found along the sides of their back.
Calling:
This species is the only species of frogs
in Southern Ontario which have vocal sacks located on either side of their heads.
It is often difficult to find this species when they are in their mating season.
They are very cautious of any movement around them, so you had better creep
up slowly. Generally this species calls during the evening, but if you are lucky
you may find some individuals calling during the day. Their call is described
as sounding like a gutural snore, followed by a series of clucks. You can hear
this call by clicking on the frog below.
Since this species partitions themselves far away from the other males within the Archaeology pond, it is rare that you will witness any competitive behaviour. It does seem as thought these animals avoid any chance of comepetition by frequently calling from within the protection of the reeds in the pond. However one must wonder how the females can find the males when they are so difficult to see. Possibly this is what this species has to balance, the risk of competition versus the risk of not finding a mate.
The eggs of the Northern Leopard Frogs are found in large gelatinous masses attached to substrates under the water. Generally these are located in single broods far from others. However, one can sometimes find a couple of these broods close to each other. These egg masses are often confused with the broods of Wood Frogs.
