Range
East-central United States; from southern Iowa down through eastern Texas, east to central Indiana and west to central Oklahoma.
Habitats
Inhabits prairies, grasslands, and woodlands, spending most of its time sheltered inside crayfish burrows near bodies of water. Found in and around ponds, lakes, and floodplains during breeding season.
Identification
This medium-sized frog has a striking pattern of irregular-shaped brown spots all over its body on a cream background. There is a clear distinction at the dorsolateral skin fold, where the spots change from more oval or rounded on the frog's back to more irregular and jagged on the frog's sides. The spots on the hind legs form a banded appearance. They grow to a length of 2-3 inches, and have a prominent hip bone hump when sitting.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians