Plains leopard frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plains leopard frog |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lithobates
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| Species: |
blairi
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The Plains leopard frog (Lithobates blairi) is a type of frog found in North America. People sometimes call it Blair's leopard frog. It got this name from Dr. W. Frank Blair, a famous scientist who studied animals at the University of Texas.
What Does It Look Like?
The Plains leopard frog is usually brown. It can grow to be about 5 to 11 centimeters (2 to 4.3 inches) long. Its name comes from the dark, uneven spots on its back, which look a bit like a leopard's spots. These frogs have long, strong legs. This helps them jump very far.
How Does It Behave?
Even though Plains leopard frogs live in dry areas, they always stay close to water. You can find them near streams, creeks, or ponds. These frogs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They mostly eat insects, so they are insectivores. However, they will eat almost any small animal they can catch and swallow, even other frogs. They are shy animals. If you get too close, they will often jump into the water to hide.
Where Does It Live?
As its name suggests, the Plains leopard frog lives across the Great Plains in the United States. You can find them from Indiana in the east. They live west through the central and southern plains to South Dakota. Their range goes south to Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. There is also a separate group of these frogs living in Arizona.
Is It Endangered?
The Plains leopard frog is quite common in most places where it lives. It does not have a special conservation status, meaning it is not usually considered at risk. However, in the state of Indiana, this frog is considered endangered. This might be because of chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides used on farms. These chemicals can get into the frog's habitats and harm them.
