Pickerel Frog

Pickerel Frog

Pickerel frog (Rana palustris):

            This small frog is native to North America, primarily the Eastern United States and Canada. Their diet consists primarily of small insects such as ants and beetles. They have evolved an interesting defense mechanism in the form of a toxic substance that they can secrete from their skin. While only mildly irritating to humans, this liquid is dangerous for some of their natural predators. They are naturally brown or tan in color, with rows of dark patches on their back. Pickerel frogs are often confused with Leopard frogs, which look similar and are found in generally the same habitats. The easiest way to differentiate the two species is to inspect the markings on their backs. The markings on Leopard frogs will be oval in shape while those on Pickerel frogs will be rectangular.

Katrina BergmanPickerel Frog