Family Ranidae – True Frogs

Pickerel frog (Rana palustris)

• Description: 1 3/4-3 1/2 inches; parallel rows of dark brown squarish blotches on a grayish back; two ridges on back running from behind eye to area of groin; inner surface of hind legs and posterior portion of belly yellow.

• Distribution: Statewide but local; not known from northeast prairie region or from lower coastal area.

• Breeding period: Late winter and early spring.

• Breeding sites: Ponds, slow-moving streams and swamps with low, dense vegetation.

• Voice: Low pitched snore. Has been likened to sound made while twisting an inflated balloon.

• Comments: Spring peepers calling in background. Recorded near Raymond in Hinds County.