Species profile
Southern Leopard Frog
Lithobates sphenocephalus
Identify Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) is an IUCN Least Concern amphibian regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 29,916 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Texas, Florida, and North Carolina the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Distinguished by a distinctive laughing or chuckling advertisement call.
- Found across the southeastern United States from New Jersey south to Florida.
- Adults reach 2 to 3.5 inches in body length, with females slightly larger than males.
- Unlike many frogs, ventures far from permanent water during warm months.
- Breeds in late winter through spring and again in fall.
Where Southern Leopard Frog are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Southern Leopard Frog
Background
The southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus or Rana sphenocephala) is a species of true frog. It is native to eastern North America from Kansas to New York to Florida. It is also an introduced species in some areas.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Southern Leopard Frog article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other amphibians on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Southern Leopard Frog?
Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus) is an IUCN Least Concern amphibian regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Southern Leopard Frog?
Southern Leopard Frog is Lithobates sphenocephalus.
Is Southern Leopard Frog regulated for fishing?
Yes — Southern Leopard Frog has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Southern Leopard Frog?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Southern Leopard Frog along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.