Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2427056
Pickerel Frog
Lithobates palustrisAlso known as Marsh Frog
Pickerel frogs are medium-sized amphibians distinguished by two parallel rows of dark, rectangular spots along their backs and bright yellow or orange flashes inside their hind legs. They breed in quiet, vegetated waters in early spring, where males produce a low, snoring call that resonates underwater. Unlike many other North American frogs, their skin secretes a toxic substance that irritates mammalian skin and deters many potential predators.
AmphibianToxic SecretionsSemiaquatic
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Snails
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Great Blue Herons
- Bullfrogs
ThreatsHabitat degradation, water pollution, and disease
HabitatsCool streams, marshes, bogs, and wet meadows
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAnura
- FamilyRanidae
- GenusLithobates
- SpeciesLithobates palustris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Skin secretions irritate skin and eyes and are toxic to pets; wash hands after touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Skin secretions contain toxic peptides that cause mucosal irritation, vomiting in pets, and severe eye stinging.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for two parallel rows of dark, squarish spots along a tan back and bright yellow under-thigh skin.
- What to do
- Observe without touching, and rinse hands thoroughly if contact occurs to prevent transferring secretions to eyes.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Males produce a low, snoring vocalization from beneath the water surface in early spring.
- Spot the Markings: Distinguish them from leopard frogs by looking for neat rows of square, boxy spots.
- Wash Hands Promptly: Always wash hands after handling to avoid eye irritation from skin toxins.
Frequent Companion "Green Frog" by AER Wilmington DE is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative "Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)" by acryptozoo is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative "Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)" by DaveHuth is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Pickerel Frog is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/12
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.