River Frog

Range

Ranges along the Gulf coast and Atlantic coast from southern Mississippi to southern North Carolina, extending south to central Florida.

Habitats

This nocturnal, aquatic species inhabits swampy wetland habitats. It prefers slow-moving blackwater creeks and cypress swamps with lots of emergent vegetation.

Identification

A medium to large frog reaching 3-5 inches in body length. It has mildly bumpy skin and lacks dorsolateral skin folds. Its hip bone hump is prominent, and it has long legs and toes. Males have conspicuous tympana larger than their eyes, while those of females are smaller than their eyes, but still quite noticeable. It is typically brown, dark green, or almost black on its dorsum, and distinct white spots around its lips and lower jaw. Its ventrum is grey to black with pale mottling.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians