Pickerel Frog
(Rana palustris)

	PICKEREL FROG
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	Pickerel frogs have squarish spots and the underside of their hind legs is bright yellow or orange. Photo by Mike Marchand Notice the yellow inner thigh of this pickerel frog. Photo by Christopher Manning This young pickerel frog could easily be mistaken for a leopard frog -- young pickerel frogs often lack yellow on the undersides of legs. Photo by Mike Marchand Pickerel frogs can often be found on the edges of streams or ponds and nearby fields. Photo by Mike Marchand

NH Conservation Status: Not listed

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH

Description: A 1.5-3 inch tan or greenish frog with 2-3 rows of squarish dark spots along the back and hind legs.  The undersides of the thighs are bright yellow or orange.

Commonly Confused Species: Northern leopard frog has rounded dark blotches with pale borders and lacks bright color on the inner thigh.

Habitat: Usually found near water or moist woodland areas.  Edges of lakes and ponds, streams, wet pastures and fields are places pickerel frogs can be found.  Dense vegetation is used for cover along aquatic environments. 

Life History: Attaches a few thousand eggs to submerged vegetation in shallow pools or ponds.  Hibernates in the mud-bottoms of ponds

Voice: A low, steady croak lasting 1-2 seconds

Conservation Threats: Species is secure

Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH