Dorsal view showing leg banding, dorsal fold and unfortunately a tumor.

This isolated view shows a hint of the yellow in groin along with the parallel squarish spots.

Thumb pads are visable in this submerged view.

Webbing on hind legs along with yellow color splashes on legs.

Dorsal view with distinctive yellow coloration unique to this species.

Banding pattern on upper lip prevelant.

Another view showing thumb pads and hint of distinctive thigh color.

Notice solid ear (tympanic membrane) coloring and very distinct dorsal fold

I caught this one about a week ago and have been feeding him crickets until the temperature climbs up into the mid 40s. He was captured crossing Riverview Road across from the maintenance facility. Unfortunately there is a tumor on the dorsal surface. What distinguishes the Pickerel from the Leopard frog are the arrangement and shape of the spots, the shape of the snout and coloration of the upper thigh and abdomen. The spots on a Pickerel have a more distinct corner to them and are generally arranged in parallel rows down the dorsal surface. Base body coloration is more of a tan, camouflaging it within the grasses of environment where is is found. The dorsal fold is thicker and prominent resembling a blade of grass. The eardrum is a more or less solid brown where as the Leopard frog has a white spot in the center. The snout is more rounded with the Leopard being more pointed. The thigh has a bright yellow color that is hidden when the legs are in their resting position, along with bright yellow webbing on the rear feet. A pattern of bronze, dark brown and cream followed by a molted pattern above the mouth is different from the Leopards which has a solid strip before the mouth, though many color and pattern variations do occur. The legs have banding which helps break up the silhouette. This is a male showing the distinguishing thumb pads which are used in maintaining the clasp on the female during amplexus.

This posting was added on 4-3-2011 but depicts a Pickerel frog captured 3-20-2011.

Excellent side view showing skin texture and variation of spots along with leg banding.