Ranidae 



Range: The Leopard Frog is the most common frog in 

 North America, east of the Sierra Nevada iMountains. It is well- 

 known in Florida; it is the edible frog in Texas; it is the only 

 frog found between the eastern part of the Great Plains and the 

 Sierra Nevada Mountains. 



The Leopard Frog is one of the most beautiful in colouring of 

 all our common frogs. It is better known than others, not only 

 because of its wider distribution and greater numbers, but because 

 it has the habit of going considerable distances from its pond, or 

 marsh. It is the frog met with when we walk across country, 

 through fields and orchards. As we wander slowly through the 

 meadow these frogs leap out from underfoot. They make long, 

 low leaps, seldom appearing above the clovers and grasses. They 

 are not satisfied with one jump for safety, but give three or four in 

 succession, each probably in a somewhat different direction. 



If we walk still more slowly and watch very carefully, we are 

 likely to catch a glimpse of a spotted back and of squirted water 

 as an especially large one makes a flying leap. If we try to catch 

 a large one and meet with any success, we discover that this habit 

 of squirting water — as though into the face of an enemy — may 

 sometimes result in protection to the frog, since the water is dis- 

 agreeable in odour. 



Our greatest effort, however, comes in keeping a Leopard 

 Frog, after the chase is over and when we have him in our very 

 grasp. The slippery skin, the slender body, and strong hind legs 

 serve him in just such emergencies. He gives most unexpected 

 and vigorous jerks of the body to free himself. However, if he 

 finds his efforts unavailing, and feels a firm hand about the pos- 

 terior part of his body and the strong thighs, he stops struggling and 

 begins to expostulate in a very decided but musical voice. We 

 watch and listen in astonishment and admiration. Who knew 

 that a frog could talk in so charming a fashion? Indeed, the 

 sound is so musical, that we might almost say he sings. The vocal 

 pouches swell into rounded projections behind and under the ears; 

 they distend and collapse alternately as the musical notes are 

 uttered. 



The vocal pouches are elongated in shape, extending obliquely 



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