Finn the Leopard Frog.

[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.