Amphibians
Southern Leopard Frog
Lithobates sphenocephalus · also called southern leopard frogs
A southern leopard frog rarely stays put once it notices you. A single powerful leap, impressively long for a frog its size, is usually enough to put it well out of reach, and unlike many of its relatives it might just as easily be found in a grassy field or a suburban yard as anywhere near actual water.
Overview
The southern leopard frog, Lithobates sphenocephalus, is a spotted, pointed-snouted frog native to wetland and grassland habitat across the southeastern United States. It ranges unusually far from water and relies on powerful leaps to escape danger.
A frog that wanders
While many frogs rarely stray from the water’s edge, the southern leopard frog frequently turns up in fields, yards, and open grassland well away from any pond, a wandering habit that broadens its foraging opportunities beyond what most similarly sized frogs attempt.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable wetland and grassland habitat throughout the southeastern United States.
Southern Leopard Frog: common questions
How is the southern leopard frog different from the northern leopard frog?
The southern leopard frog and northern leopard frog are closely related, similarly spotted species, but the southern leopard frog generally has a somewhat more pointed snout and occupies a range centred on the southeastern United States, while the northern leopard frog is found across a broader and more northerly range, with the two species overlapping in some areas.
How far can a southern leopard frog jump?
A southern leopard frog is capable of covering an impressively long distance in a single leap relative to its body size, a powerful escape response that allows it to quickly put distance between itself and an approaching predator or other perceived threat, whether near water or out in open grassland.
Why is a southern leopard frog often found far from water?
Unlike many frog species that remain close to water for most of their active life, a southern leopard frog frequently ranges into surrounding grassland, fields, and even suburban yards, particularly during and after rainfall, taking advantage of the additional foraging opportunities available away from its breeding wetlands.
When does the southern leopard frog breed?
The southern leopard frog has a relatively extended breeding season compared with some other frog species, with the specific timing of breeding activity varying depending on regional rainfall and temperature conditions across its range in the southeastern United States.