Description:
Pickerel frogs are slender-bodied, relatively large frogs that have a unique spotting pattern. The ground color may be tan, brown, or greenish brown with a wide, lighter colored ridge extending from behind the eye to the groin. The back has two rows of large dark brown spots, which in some individuals may be square-shaped. The spots are different sizes and shapes in each individual; in some frogs, several spots may be fused into a long narrow spot. Pickerel frogs can superficially resemble southern leopard frogs, although generally the spots on a southern leopard frog are smaller and more round. The groin and undersurface of the thigh in pickerel frogs is bright yellow. Tadpoles of the pickerel frog can reach 2 to 2.5 inches in length before transforming into froglets. The body is globular in shape, and the eyes are located dorsally. The bodies are brown or greenish brown with fine darker brown mottling. The tail and tail fins are mottled with shades of brown. They require at least two to three months before metamorphosis. The call of the pickerel frog is a low snore. It is often difficult to hear because these frogs breed early in the spring in the same ponds as spring peepers and other Pseudacris, which have loud, high-pitched calls that drown out the sound of the low pickerel frog call. Vocalizations are difficult to localize because pickerel frogs are very wary and quit calling when approached.
Habitat:
Pickerel frogs are found along small streams or springs in forested areas, including streams in caves in some regions. In the southern part of their range, they occur in swampy or marshy areas and shallow areas of ponds with emergent vegetation.
Life Cycle:
In Oklahoma, pickerel frogs typically breed in February, whereas in more northern areas, breeding begins in March. The breeding period is short, extending 4 to 6 weeks, although most breeding occurs during the initial 2 to 3 weeks of activity. Spherical egg masses are attached to fallen branches or other aquatic vegetation. Each mass of eggs may contain 1,000 to 3,000 eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, and tadpoles require nearly three months to metamorphose.
Size:
Male pickerel frogs are generally much smaller than females. Large females may reach 3.5 inches in length, whereas males typically range in size from 2.0 to 2.5 inches in length.
Conservation Status:
Although their populations are stable at present, loss of habitat is causing a decline in their numbers in some areas.
