Finn the Leopard Frog.

[Jace]

Mine came in a shipment of feeder fish from Florida, along with an American bullfrog tadpole. If I am correct, they are part of the True Frogs family. Their tadpoles look very similar (I thought Finn was a bullfrog until his back legs formed and realized he didn't look like Poe had or his tadpole travelling buddy, Huck). They are fairly common from what I understand. There are two species: Northern and Southern and are well known for their ability to jump. I am hoping that Finn is indeed a male as they have a rather amusing call!

[tgampper]

Despite the fact that the shipment came from Florida, I am almost convinced that Finn is a northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens). The key feature is that southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala sphenocephala or Rana sphenocephala utricularia) have a light spot in the center of their tympanum (ear drum). Unless my eyes are deceiving me, I don't see it.

[JimO]

I love leopard frogs and that is a great shot. I see lots of them, well, at least I see lots of blurs launching off the bank and into the water that I am pretty sure are leopard frogs .

Mine came in a shipment of feeder fish from Florida, along with an American bullfrog tadpole. If I am correct, they are part of the True Frogs family. Their tadpoles look very similar (I thought Finn was a bullfrog until his back legs formed and realized he didn't look like Poe had or his tadpole travelling buddy, Huck). They are fairly common from what I understand. There are two species: Northern and Southern and are well known for their ability to jump. I am hoping that Finn is indeed a male as they have a rather amusing call!

[Jace]

Thanks JimO. Finn can definitely jump...he once escaped when I was changing his water and it took 20 minutes (and some not-so-lady like vocabulary) chasing him around the kitchen before he was caught!

Terry, is the spot in the eardrum evident right away, or does it take time to develop? Finn is only about 2" long still and has only recently devloped any colouring on the back legs in the last week or so? Either way, this species is beautiful. I do believe that the Northern Leopard frog is on the endangered list in B.C. Canada to the point where there is actually a breeding program in place to try and reintroduce them to their natural habitat.

[lnaminneci]

Jo-Anna,

Finn is turning into a very handsome frog! If he is just now getting his coloring, then he will really be dashingly handsome!

You have done a great job!

~Lesley

[Jace]

Thanks Lesley. He is mighty handsome, isn't he???

[tgampper]

Terry, is the spot in the eardrum evident right away, or does it take time to develop? Finn is only about 2" long still and has only recently devloped any colouring on the back legs in the last week or so? Either way, this species is beautiful. I do believe that the Northern Leopard frog is on the endangered list in B.C. Canada to the point where there is actually a breeding program in place to try and reintroduce them to their natural habitat.

Hi Jo,

That's a good question about the spot. All of the pictures I have seen of southern leopard frogs have a very noticeable white spot in the tympanum. I am not sure if the spot develops with age or not. You are right about NLFs being endangered in B.C. I really love leopard frogs, there are plenty in Nebraska and I hear them call throughout the spring and early summer. Anyway, you have a very handsome frog indeed.

[Jace]

I have been trying to find information on spot development or at least pictures of young Southern frogs to see if it is evident early on. So far, not much luck. However, it would make sense for the spot to be there soon after tadpoles morph and I am leaning more and more to Finn indeed being a Northern Leopard frog. I will also be doing more research into the breeding program. I am not sure if they will except a frog that has been raised in captivity, or how I would feel about giving Finn up, but if he or she can help in conserve the species, it would be worth thinking about. Thanks for your help, Terry.

[UncleChester]

Thanks JimO. Finn can definitely jump...he once escaped when I was changing his water and it took 20 minutes (and some not-so-lady like vocabulary) chasing him around the kitchen before he was caught!

I have lots of experience catching these guys to move out of the way of the mower. Always approach from the front if possible (might be harder in your kitchen than out on the lawn), without a clear escape route they seem to rely on their camouflage until you are within grabbing distance.


Finn is looking quite nice. I'm not sure if he's of the northern variety or not, but Stokes Amphibian and Reptile guide entry on the Northern Leopard frog says other types "..have smaller or fewer spots or incomplete ridges along their sides." Not sure if that's a help or not, or if you can even tell at this age.

[Jace]

Thanks-I'll keep the catching technique in mind next time he escapes, because I am sure it will happen again!!

I am hoping to get confirmation soon on Finn's exact I.D. I am going to contact the breeding group themselves and send them a picture. If he or she is indeed a Northern leopard frog and they can use Finn for their program, I am thinking it might be better for Finn. And it would be a cool feeling to know that there might one day be Jr. Finn's hoping around out in the great Canadian wilderness!!