Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Lithobates pipiens
Lithobates pipiens
(Northern Leopard Frog)
Amphibians-Frogs
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782)

Common name: Northern Leopard Frog

Synonyms and Other Names: Rana pipiens (see first paragraph of Remarks section)

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Size: 5.1 - 9 cm

Native Range: Southern Canada and the northern United States.

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Lithobates pipiens are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA1909199411Battle Creek; Crowley Lake; Lake Tahoe; Middle Kern-Upper Tehachapi-Grapevine; Middle San Joaquin-Lower Chowchilla; Paynes Creek-Sacramento River; Salton Sea; San Felipe Creek; San Pablo Bay; Upper Kaweah; Upper Pit
HI193219321Oahu
NV190919172Carson Desert; Lake Tahoe
UT200520051Southern Great Salt Lake Desert

Table last updated 11/2/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Ecology: Found in streams, lakes, ponds, and wet prairies. Often called the "meadow frog" due to its wandering well away from water in the summer time. Individuals may congregate under submerged logs or rocks during the winter.  Lays eggs from March to May; tadpoles transform in late June to August.

Remarks: Frost et al. (2006) revised the genus Rana and most of the North, Central and South American "true frogs" were seperated from this taxon and placed into the new genus Lithobates (Frost et al., 2006; Crother, 2008; Collins and Taggart, 2009).  Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008).

References: (click for full references)

Collins, J.T. and T.W. Taggart. 2009. Standard common and current scientific names for North American amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians. Sixth Edition. Publication of The Center for North American Herpetology, Lawrence. iv + 44p.

Crother, B.I. (chair). Committee on Standard and English and Scientific Names. 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and  Reptiles Herpetological Circular. No. 37. iii + 86p.

Frost, D. R., T. Grant, J. Faivovich, R. H. Bain, A. Haas, C. F. B. Haddad, R. O. De Sá, A. Channing, M. Wilkinson, S. C. Donnellan, C. J. Raxworthy, J. A. Campbell, B. L. Blotto, P. Moler, R. C. Drewes, R. A. Nussbaum, J. D. Lynch, D. M. Green, and W. C. Wheeler. 2006. The amphibian tree of life. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 297:1-370 + Fig. 50 foldout.

Author: Liz McKercher, and Denise R. Gregoire

Revision Date: 12/3/2019

Citation Information:
Liz McKercher, and Denise R. Gregoire, 2024, Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=74, Revision Date: 12/3/2019, Access Date: 11/2/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [11/2/2024].

Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted.

For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.