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A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California


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Identifying California Leopard Frogs

California Frogs and Toads:




observation link

 

If you find a Leopard Frog in California, the best way to identify it is by using the range maps, although it is always possible that an animal was released in an area where it does not naturally occur and won't be shown on the maps.

If you find a Leopard Frog in the extreme southern part of the state, it could be a Lowland Leopard Frog or a Rio Grande Leopard Frog, but the Lowland Leopard Frog has been, for the most part, extirpated from that area.

Here is a Chart of the Features of Ranid Frogs found in California that might help you distinguish the several species of Leopard frogs found in the state.
frog frog range map
Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates pipiens

(Rana pipiens)

Historic Range - in red and blue
frog frog range map
Southern Leopard Frog
Lithobates sphenocephalus

(Rana sphenocephala)


Range - in red
frog frog range map
Lowland Leopard Frog
Lithobates yavapaiensis

(Rana yavapaiensis)

  Historic Range - in red
frog frog range map
Rio Grande Leopard Frog
Lithobates berlandieri

(Rana berlandieri)


Range - in red

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