Identify this frog ?

[kfrog]

Hi. I was wondering if someone here could identify this frog species. I was mowing my lawn and almost ran over it. So I put him in our old aquarium until we go to the lake this weekend to release it somewhere a little bit safer.

At first I thought it was a northern leopard frog, but after looking at some pictures on the internet, I noticed that northern leopard frogs don't appear to have that white stripe down the middle of their back like this one. I thought maybe (after research) it is a spotted frog, but still doesn't look exactly like them either.

It's only about 1 1/2 inches long, but it could still be young. I live in Mid/West Canada.

Anyone know this species? Curiosity is getting the better of me. Thanks for any info.

[John]

It's a Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica.

[Kurt]

Really?

[John]

Well if this person is in Canada, the possibilities are limited, and last I checked, Leopards don't have masks.

[Kurt]

I have never seen a wood frog with a white stripe down the middle of the back or spots for that matter.

Is it possible that this frog can be an escaped pet?

[kfrog]

Thanks. I didn't know there were so many types of frogs that looked somewhat like this one...
I hope it's not someone's escaped pet, because I have plans to release it at a lake tomorrow.
So it sounds as though it's probably a wood frog, but with an uncommon stripe down the middle of its back and spots... lol... So confusing, but I'll take the wood frog suggestion.

Thanks again.

[SethD]

I have never seen a wood frog with a white stripe down the middle of the back or spots for that matter.

They are variable in coloration. Here are a few examples from the web.

BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Critter Catalog, Rana sylvatica, wood frog

Freeze-thaw Cycle In Frogs May Give Doctors Jump On Human Transplants - Science Ahead

Wood Frog

[bshmerlie]

Sorry Kurt, It looks like that point goes to John.

[kfrog]

Wow. Thanks for the links SethD. Pretty obvious it's wood frog now. I searched the internet and all the wood frogs I saw didn't have the middle stripe. Crazy stuff.

Thanks everyone. He/she will have a new home where lawn mowers and cats can't get it tomorrow.

[Kurt]

Wow. Who knew? I certainly didn't. Every wood frog I had ever seen, and I have seen hundreds, if not thousands of them, has been uniformly leaf-litter brown with a dark brown mask and barring on the legs.

[SethD]

Wow. Who knew? I certainly didn't. Every wood frog I had ever seen, and I have seen hundreds, if not thousands of them, has been uniformly leaf-litter brown with a dark brown mask and barring on the legs.

It depends on the area. In some areas the striped form is common in other areas it is not.

[bshmerlie]

It's okay Kurt I still consider you the "frog master" like Yoda.

[Kurt]

Thanks.

[froggymatt]

i am sooo jealous i soooo want one of theese frogs!

[T3RR1B1L15]

Hi. I was wondering if someone here could identify this frog species. I was mowing my lawn and almost ran over it. So I put him in our old aquarium until we go to the lake this weekend to release it somewhere a little bit safer.

At first I thought it was a northern leopard frog, but after looking at some pictures on the internet, I noticed that northern leopard frogs don't appear to have that white stripe down the middle of their back like this one. I thought maybe (after research) it is a spotted frog, but still doesn't look exactly like them either.

It's only about 1 1/2 inches long, but it could still be young. I live in Mid/West Canada.

Anyone know this species? Curiosity is getting the better of me. Thanks for any info.

Wood frog, Rana/Lithobates sylvaticus.