Lithobates pipiens Photo Claire Sunquist ©
In Florida, you will hear leopard frogs calling even in winter – they call almost year round except July and August. The sound has been aptly described as like the noise made by someone ‘slowly rubbing a finger over a wet balloon.’
Leopard frogs are medium-sized frogs, light brown to dark green with several rows of distinct brown spots. The throat and belly are white. They have long pointed heads and their eyes have a gold iris. There is a distinct light spot in the center of the tympanum or eardrum.
Leopard frogs are found in most water bodies, including shallow marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds and wet grassy areas. They are very alert to danger, and if you hear a splash as you walk along the edge of a pond or lake it is most likely a leopard frog leaping into the water.
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