# Plains Leopard Frog (*Lithobates blairi*) The Plains Leopard Frog is a fun and spotted little frog that loves to hop around in the grass. It has a special green and brown pattern that helps it hide from predators in the wild. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Plains Leopard Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Plains_Leopard_Frog_%28Lithobates_blairi%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Don F Becker, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plains_Leopard_Frog_%28Lithobates_blairi%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Plains Leopard Frog is typically green to brownish-green with numerous distinct dark, rounded spots that often have a lighter halo around them. Its smooth skin and light stripe running along its upper jaw help distinguish it from similar spotted frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ranidae - **Genus:** Lithobates ## Interesting facts - No two Plains Leopard Frogs have the exact same spot pattern—they're unique! - Plains Leopard Frogs can survive freezing temperatures by producing a natural antifreeze! - They play a super important role, helping keep insect populations in check! - They use their eyeballs to help push food down their throats after catching it! ## Special abilities - **Spot Camouflage:** Plains Leopard Frog has a unique spot pattern that helps them blend perfectly into marshy grasses and muddy banks, hiding from predators. - **Powerful Leaping:** Plains Leopard Frog can launch itself many times its body length because of strong hind legs, helping them escape danger rapidly. - **Skin Breathing:** Plains Leopard Frog can absorb oxygen through its moist skin, which helps them stay underwater longer and breathe on land. - **Distinctive Call:** Plains Leopard Frog makes a unique snoring-like call that helps them attract mates and communicate with other frogs in their habitat. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 5-11 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.06 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 10 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2000-7000 - **Metamorphosis:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding These hungry frogs munch on various insects and small invertebrates they catch with their sticky tongues. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and detritus; adults are carnivores. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, grasshoppers, flies, beetles, spiders, worms - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — A common predator in their grassland and wetland habitats. - **Eaten by:** [Great Blue Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-blue-heron) (*Ardea herodias*) — These large birds hunt frogs from shallow water. - **Hunts:** [Fall Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-field-cricket) (*Gryllus pennsylvanicus*) — A common insect found in their grassland habitat, providing food. - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Often found near water sources, they are an easy meal for frogs. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always wash your hands after touching frogs, as they can have sensitive skin. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Plains Leopard Frog? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Plains Leopard Frog? 5-11 cm ### How much does Plains Leopard Frog weigh? 0.01-0.06 kg ### How long does Plains Leopard Frog live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Plains Leopard Frog move? 10 km/h ### What does Plains Leopard Frog eat? These hungry frogs munch on various insects and small invertebrates they catch with their sticky tongues. ### Where is Plains Leopard Frog usually found? Wetlands ### How does Plains Leopard Frog hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [McClellan Creek National Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mcclellan-creek-national-grassland) — Texas, US · National Park - [Thurber](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/thurber) — Texas, US · Neighborhood - [Metropolitan Park Bathhouse and Pool Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/metropolitan-park-bathhouse-and-pool-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Howard County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/howard-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Plains Leopard Frog](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/plains-leopard-frog) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Plains Leopard Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/plains-leopard-frog)