Pickerel frog facts for kids
The pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris) is a small frog that lives in North America. You can often spot them by the dark, square-shaped spots on their backs, which are arranged in neat rows. Unlike Leopard frogs, which have round spots, pickerel frogs have these unique square patterns. They also have a bright orange or yellow color on the inside of their back legs. These frogs are found in the eastern parts of North America. They have a special defense: their skin can produce a mild toxin that helps protect them from predators.
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What is a Pickerel Frog?
The pickerel frog is a type of true frog. It belongs to the Lithobates genus. This genus includes many common frogs. Pickerel frogs are known for their distinct markings. They are usually light brown or tan. Their dark spots look like chocolate squares. These squares are often outlined in a lighter color. The spots run down their back in two rows.
Size and Appearance
Pickerel frogs are not very big. They usually grow to be about 1.75 to 3 inches (4.5 to 7.6 cm) long. Females are often a bit larger than males. Besides their square spots, they have a light stripe. This stripe goes from their nose to their shoulder. Their belly is usually white. The bright yellow or orange on their inner thighs is a key feature. This color is often hidden when the frog is resting. It flashes when the frog jumps.
Where Do Pickerel Frogs Live?
Pickerel frogs are found across a wide area. They live in eastern North America. Their range goes from Canada down to the Gulf Coast. They prefer cool, clear water. You can find them in bogs, fens, and swamps. They also live near slow-moving streams. They like areas with lots of plants. These plants help them hide from predators. They often spend time in grassy fields too. They are not always in the water.
Habitat Preferences
These frogs need both water and land. They use water for breeding. They also use it to stay moist. On land, they hunt for food. They like places with plenty of cover. This includes tall grasses and bushes. They are often found far from water during summer. They return to water bodies for winter. They hibernate under logs or in mud.
What Do Pickerel Frogs Eat?
Pickerel frogs are carnivores. This means they eat other animals. They are skilled hunters. They wait quietly for their prey. Then they quickly snatch it with their sticky tongue. Their diet includes many small creatures.
Favorite Foods
Their main diet consists of insects. They eat spiders, beetles, and ants. They also eat worms and slugs. Sometimes, they might eat smaller frogs. They help control insect populations. This makes them important in their ecosystem.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The life cycle of a pickerel frog starts in the water. Like most frogs, they go through metamorphosis. This is a big change from a tadpole to an adult frog.
Breeding Season
Pickerel frogs usually breed in early spring. This happens from March to May. They gather in ponds or slow streams. Males call to attract females. Their call is a low, snore-like sound. It lasts for about two seconds.
Eggs and Tadpoles
Females lay their eggs in large clusters. These clusters can contain thousands of eggs. The eggs are attached to underwater plants. After a few days, the eggs hatch. Tiny tadpoles emerge. Tadpoles are aquatic. They have gills to breathe underwater. They eat algae and plant matter. They grow quickly over several weeks.
Metamorphosis
As tadpoles grow, they start to change. They develop legs. Their tails get shorter. Their gills disappear. Lungs begin to form. Eventually, they absorb their tail. They become tiny froglets. These froglets leave the water. They begin their life on land. They will reach adulthood in about two to three years.
Special Abilities: Toxic Skin
Pickerel frogs have a unique defense. Their skin produces a mild toxin. This toxin is not usually harmful to humans. But it can be dangerous to other animals.
How the Toxin Works
When a predator tries to eat a pickerel frog, the toxin is released. It can make the predator sick. It tastes bad. This teaches predators to avoid pickerel frogs. Some animals, like snakes, are not affected. This toxin can even kill other frogs. If a pickerel frog is kept with other frog species, it can harm them. This is why they should be kept alone.
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Pickerel frog
