Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)

Description: Pickerel frogs are of medium size, ranging from 4.4 to 7.6 cm (1.7-3").They are bronze brown in color, with 2 parallel rows of squarish, dark spots down the back, and are colored a bright yellow-orange on the under surfaces of the hind legs. The similarly spotted leopard frog is usually green, but also has a brown phase. The leopard frog's spots, however, are more circular, are surrounded by borders of a lighter color, and are less apt to be arranged in 2 neat rows. Also, the leopard frog lacks the bright color under its legs.

Although male pickerel frogs are often smaller and lighter colored than females, the easiest way to distinguish sexes is to note the size of the first finger ("thumb"); in males, this digit is very swollen during, and for a while small lateral swellings between the tympanum and foreleg.

Tadpoles of this species have dark green backs, yellowish sides and creamy-white, iridescent bellies, with tiny yellow and black spots over the dorsal surface. The tail is dark, sometimes almost black, usually with the same spotting as that found on the back. Full-grown larvae can measure 2.5 cm (1") in body length (snout to vent), with a tail almost twice as long.

Voice: The pickerel frog's low-pitched grating croak or short snore is somewhat reminiscent of a rusty door being opened slowly. It is similar to the song of the leopard frog, but shorter and not so loud. Some people report that the individual notes in the pickerel frog call tend to be indistinguishable; the leopard frog has a slower delivery in which individual notes can be discerned.

Audio: Pickerel Frog call (coming soon)