Lithobates palustris — Details

Pickerel Frog learn more about names for this taxon

Overview

Comprehensive Description

Description

Learn more about this article

It usually has a snout-vent length between 60 and 70 mm. It is smooth-skinned, with dark brown or black dorsal blotches which are often arranged in two regular rows and which usually are squarish or rectangular. It is gray or tan in color, with a bright yellow wash on the concealed surfaces of the hind legs and belly. The glandular, yellowish dorsolateral fold is roughly half the width of a dorsal blotch in large-spotted individuals and more than half in small-spotted individuals.
  • Schaaf, R. T., Jr., and Smith, P. W. (1963). ''Rana palustris (LeConte). Pickerel Frog.'' Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 117.1-117.3.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© AmphibiaWeb © 2000-2011 The Regents of the University of California

Source: AmphibiaWeb

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Distribution

Range Description

Learn more about this article

This species can be found in Eastern North America from the Gaspe Peninsula to Wisconsin, south to southern South Carolina, northern Georgia, southern Mississippi, and southeastern Texas (Conant and Collins 1991). It is absent from most of far southeastern U.S. and the prairie region of Illinois and vicinity.
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Geographic Range

Learn more about this article

The Pickerel frog ranges from the Canadian Maritime Provinces south to the Carolinas and then west to southeast Minnesota and eastern Texas. However, there are many gaps in the distribution of these frogs, especially in the southern parts of Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana (Conant and Collins 1998).

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

National Distribution

Learn more about this article

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Global Range: (20,000-2,500,000 square km (about 8000-1,000,000 square miles)) Range extends from the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec to Wisconsin, and south to southern South Carolina, northern Georgia, southern Mississippi, and southeastern Texas (Conant and Collins 1991). This frog is absent from most of the far southeastern United States (e.g., Florida, southern Georgia) and the prairie region of Illinois and vicinity.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Distribution and Habitat

Learn more about this article

The range of R. palustris extends from the Gaspe Peninsula to the west end of Lake Superior, southward to the Gulf Coast of east Texas. A relict population occurs on the Coastal PLain of Alabama and Georgia. It is absent from the predominantly prairie regions of Illinois and adjacent states.
North of the coastal plain boundary, it occurs in habitats where the water is cool and clear. On the Coastal Plain, it occurs in floodplain swamp habitat, while in karst topography, it is often confined to the vicinity of the cave mouth.
  • Schaaf, R. T., Jr., and Smith, P. W. (1963). ''Rana palustris (LeConte). Pickerel Frog.'' Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 117.1-117.3.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© AmphibiaWeb © 2000-2011 The Regents of the University of California

Source: AmphibiaWeb

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Physical Description

Morphology

Physical Description

Learn more about this article

The Pickerel frog is a relatively large frog that is often confused with the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens). However, the Pickerel frog has chocolate-brown spots arranged in two rows between the dorsolateral folds while the Leopard frog's spots are more irregular and scattered. They can be distinguished by the bright yellow or yellow-orange color on the inside concealed surface of the thigh. Leopard frogs are white in the same area. These frogs range in size from 45 to 75 millimeters as adults. Females are usually larger than males. Male Pickerel frogs have paired vocal sacs, stout forearms and swollen thumbs. These frogs produce toxic skin secretions that are irritating to humans but can be fatal to other small animals, especially other amphibians. Many frog-eating snakes avoid these frogs for this reason (Matson 1999).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Size

Learn more about this article

Length: 9 cm

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Type Information

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1933
Locality: Lake Waccamaw, Columbus, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1933
Locality: Lake Waccamaw, Columbus, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1948
Locality: Maxton, Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1948
Locality: Maxton, Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1948
Locality: Maxton, Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Locality: Kinston, Lenoir, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1913
Locality: Edenton, Chowan, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Holotype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Holotype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1961
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1963
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Paratype for Rana palustris
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles
Preparation: Ethanol
Year Collected: 1963
Locality: Maxton, Hayes Pond (= Maxton Pond), Robeson, North Carolina, United States, North America
  • Paratype: Hardy, J. D. 1964. Chesapeake Science. 5 (1-2): 91, figures 2, 4 and 5.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Amphibians & Reptiles

Source: National Museum of Natural History Image Collection

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Ecology

Habitat

Habitat and Ecology

Learn more about this article

Habitat and Ecology
There are various habitats in wooded regions; vicinity of cool clear streams and ponds in north; warm, turbid swamps in parts of south. Disperses from water's edge into fields and woods in some regions. When inactive, hides at bottom of water body or in caves in some areas. Eggs and larvae develop in standing water of woodland ponds, bog ponds, stream pools, sloughs, and flooded ditches; often in sites with few or no fishes (e.g., Holomuzki 1995).

Systems
  • Terrestrial
  • Freshwater
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Habitat

Learn more about this article

Pickerel frogs commonly inhabit cool, wooded streams, seeps and springs although they are also found in many other habitats. In the South, it can also be found in the relatively warm, turbid waters of the Coastal Plain and floodplain swamps. These frogs tend to wander far into grassy fields or into weed-covered areas in the summer (Conant and Collins 1998).

Terrestrial Biomes: forest

Aquatic Biomes: rivers and streams

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Comments: Pickerel frogs occur in various freshwater aquatic and wetland habitats in wooded regions, ranging from the vicinity of cool clear streams and ponds in the north to warm, turbid swamps in parts of the south. In summer, they commonly range into fields and woods away from ponds or streams. In winter, they may be hidden at the bottom of a water body or secluded in wet caves.Breeding sites include standing water of woodland ponds, bog ponds, impoundments, stream pools, sloughs, and flooded ditches, often but not always in sites with few or no fishes (e.g., Holomuzki 1995). Males call while floating or submerged. Females attach egg masses to submerged vegetation.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Migration

Learn more about this article

Non-Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Trophic Strategy

Food Habits

Learn more about this article

These frogs are carnivorous and their diet consists mostly of small insects and other invertebrates. However, as tadpoles, these frogs are herbivorous (Conant and Collins 1998).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Comments: Metamorphosed frogs eat various small invertebrates, terrestrial and aquatic. Larvae probably eat mostly suspended matter, algae, plant tissue, organic debris, and minute organisms in water.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Population Biology

Number of Occurrences

Learn more about this article

Note: For many non-migratory species, occurrences are roughly equivalent to populations.

Estimated Number of Occurrences: > 300

Comments: Represented by many and/or large occurrences throughout most of the range.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Global Abundance

Learn more about this article

100,000 to >1,000,000 individuals

Comments: Total adult population size is unknown but likely exceeds 100,000.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

General Ecology

Learn more about this article

Pickerel frogs have a distinctive odor and bright colors that are thought to advertise their distasteful skin secretions, and some predators such as shrews, certain fishes, and common garter snakes may reject them as food. Larvae are palatable to some fishes (green sunfish), less palatable to others (longear sunfish) (Holomuzki 1995).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Life History and Behavior

Cyclicity

Learn more about this article

Comments: n the northern part of the range, pickerel frogs are mostly inactive during the coldest winter months.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Reproduction

Reproduction

Learn more about this article

Pickerel frogs breed in late March to early May. Males have low, snore-like calls to attract females. After fertilization, females lay spherical egg masses attached to tree branches in permanent or temporary ponds. These masses may contain from 700 to 3000 eggs. Each egg has an average diameter of 1.6 millimeters when laid. After the eggs hatch, it takes around 87 to 95 days for the tadpoles to transform into small frogs and leave the water. It requires an additional two years before these frogs reach sexual maturity and are able to reproduce (Matson 1999).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Breeding occurs in winter in the far south, in spring (mostly April-May) in the north. Larvae hatch in several days or up to three weeks after laying, metamorphose usually within 2-3 months, in summer (often July-August in the north).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Molecular Biology

Statistics of barcoding coverage: Rana palustris

Learn more about this article

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 11
Species With Barcodes: 1

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© Barcode of Life Data Systems

Source: Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD)

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Conservation

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Assessment

Learn more about this article


Red List Category
LC
Least Concern

Red List Criteria

Version
3.1

Year Assessed
2004

Assessor/s
Geoffrey Hammerson

Reviewer/s
Global Amphibian Assessment Coordinating Team (Simon Stuart, Janice Chanson, Neil Cox and Bruce Young)

Justification
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Conservation Status

Learn more about this article

The population of Pickerel frogs is listed as stable, and there are no special restrictions on them. However, in many areas populations are declining due to habitat changes.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

National NatureServe Conservation Status

Learn more about this article

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

NatureServe Conservation Status

Learn more about this article

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Intrinsic Vulnerability: Moderately vulnerable

Environmental Specificity: Moderate to broad.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Population

Learn more about this article

Population
There are thousands of populations; it is abundant, and stable.

Population Trend
Stable
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Learn more about this article

Global Short Term Trend: Relatively stable (=10% change)

Comments: Population trend is unknown but probably stable to slightly declining.

Global Long Term Trend: Increase of 10-25% to decline of 30%

Comments: Likely relatively stable in extent of occurrence, likely less than 25% decline in in population size, area of occurrence, and number/condition of occurrences. In some areas, habitat losses have been offset by habitat augmentation (e.g., creation of breeding sites through damming).

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 (CC BY-NC 3.0)

© NatureServe

Source: NatureServe

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors

Learn more about this article

Females produce 2,000-3,000 eggs in several firm, globular sumerged egg masses. The egg is brown and yellow, averages 1.7 mm in diameter, and has two envelopes. The tadpole has an olive green colour, fine black and yellow spots, and a darker tail with yellow spots coalesced into larger spots.
  • Schaaf, R. T., Jr., and Smith, P. W. (1963). ''Rana palustris (LeConte). Pickerel Frog.'' Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 117.1-117.3.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)

© AmphibiaWeb © 2000-2011 The Regents of the University of California

Source: AmphibiaWeb

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Threats

Threats

Learn more about this article

Major Threats
There are no major threats. Local populations are no doubt impacted by clear-cutting and urbanization.
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Management

Conservation Actions

Learn more about this article

Conservation Actions
There are no conservation measures needed. It occurs in many protected areas.
Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Source: IUCN

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems

Benefits

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Learn more about this article

This species does not seem to adversely affect humans at all.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Learn more about this article

These frogs are not of great economic importance to humans. They are not caught as game and are not kept as pets due to their skin secretions. They are occasionally used as fishing bait for anglers.

Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Source: Animal Diversity Web

Trusted

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Wikipedia

Pickerel Frog

Learn more about this article

This article is about the pickerel frog. For the pickerel fish, see Esox.

The Pickerel Frog (Rana palustris)[1][2][3] is a small North American frog, characterized by the appearance of seemingly "hand-drawn" squares on its dorsal surface.

Contents

Distinguishing features

The distinctive rectangular spots of the Pickerel Frog may blend together to form a long rectangle along the back. All leopard frogs have circular spots. In addition, Pickerel Frogs have prominent dorsolateral ridges that are unbroken. Another important distinguishing mark is the orange or yellow flash pattern found on the inner surface of the hind legs of Pickerel Frogs. The frog must be picked up to examine this, as the legs cover the coloration otherwise. The Plains Leopard Frog (Lithobates blairi) exhibits this coloration as well, but the dorsolateral ridges are interrupted and inset medially in that species.

Range

The Pickerel Frog ranges in the west from much of Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, eastern Iowa, through Missouri and down to eastern Texas. To the east they extend through northern Louisiana, most of Mississippi, northern Alabama, Georgia (U.S. state), and South Carolina to the coast. Their northern range extends into Canada in the southern reaches of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The range is spotty through the midwestern states and a field guide should be obtained for the specifics on ranges in a particular area.

Other

The skin secretions of a stressed Pickerel Frog are known to be toxic to other frogs, as many a novice frog catcher has found when he finds only the Pickerel Frog still alive in his bucket. These secretions can also be moderately irritating if they come in contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin. It is advisable to wash one's hands after handling Pickerel Frogs.

Footnotes

  1. ^ Hillis, D. M. 2007. Constraints in naming parts of the Tree of Life. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 42:331-338.
  2. ^ Hillis, D. M., and T. P. Wilcox. 2005. Phylogeny of the New World True Frogs (Rana). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 34:299-314.
  3. ^ Pauly et al. (2009)

References

Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

 

Source: Wikipedia

Unreviewed

Article rating from 0 people

Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Comment on or rate this article

Disclaimer

EOL content is automatically assembled from many different content providers. As a result, from time to time you may find pages on EOL that are confusing.

To request an improvement, please leave a comment on the page. Thank you!