Bell Atlas - Rana palustris

Rana palustris LeConte, 1825
Family: Ranidae Pickerel Frog	Description Biology Conservation & Use Resources Description: General description: The slender pickerel frog has bulging eyes, long legs, a lanky body, two big ridges between its back and sides, and smooth skin. Size: Pickerel frogs are 1 3/4 to 3 1/4 inches long. Color: The pickerel frog has a pale brown background with brown spots in rows on back. Its underside is light-colored with yellow where the legs and body connect. Sounds: Quiet, long drawn-out snore. Similar to the northern leopard frog, but lacking the chuckle at the end. (MN DNR, 2022) Habitat: Pickerel frogs prefer cool streams and other wet areas in woodlands. They spend their winters burrowed in the mud beneath ponds or streams. In summer they may be found in fields away from water. Breeding habitat: Backwaters of rivers and streams. Summer habitat: Inhabits cool, clear water of wooded streams with a dense forest canopy. Feeds in grassy openings adjacent to streams. Winter habitat: Aquatic, rivers and streams. (MN DNR, 2022) Reproduction: Pickerel frogs begin to reproduce at two years of age. In spring males begin calling to attract females. The female lays a blob of 700 to 3,000 eggs in the water. It takes about two weeks for the eggs to hatch and 8 to 11 weeks for tadpoles to develop into frogs. (MN DNR, 2022) Conservation Status: Pickerel frogs have no special status in Minnesota. (MN DNR, 2022)
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