<<Back to Northwest Herps Red-Legged Frog can be found in the northwest and is a reddish brown color frog with a smooth textured skin with small black spots. A Red-legged Frog can reach 2 to 5 inches in length and females are typically larger than male frogs. Dorsolateral folds often have a dark mask bordered light strip on the lower jaw. This species eye color is Gold and oriented on the side of the head. The location of the eyes in important because this is what can reduce the confusion between the Oregon Ppotted Frog and the Red-Legged Frog. The markings of the Red-Legged Frog are Generally the frog is identified by the red colored legs. However even the Oregon Spotted Frog can have a red tint to the legs which confuses even professional Herpetologists.
Series of weak throaty notes, rather than harsh, lasting 2-3 seconds at a time. (National Audubon Society) The sound has a stuttering uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-rowr with an occasional chuckle. Sometimes the vocals can be given under water. While vocalizing, the throat swells at the center and at the sides. (BLM.gov)
 The Red-Legged Frog can be found near wooded wetlands, ponds, and grasses. The bodies of water should be permanent and extensive amounts of it. Red-Legged frogs also prefer shallow waters
Adults mainly feed on invertebrates, insect larvae, and other insects.
Red-Legged frogs are sexually mature between 3-4 year of age. Mating takes place between January and March. Eggs are laid in masses of a jelly like substance in permanent bodies of water. The Embryos later hatch in about four weeks time. Tadpoles, which are only a couple centimeters long in mid summer, remain in their stage of life between four to five months.
Red-legged frog has been thought to be preyed on by bullfrogs and is the biggest danger to the species existence. Introduction of different fish species could increase competitiveness between native frog species and Bullfrogs. Other concerns include global warming, loss of habitat due to development. (Waye, Heather. 1999. COSEWIC Status Report on the NORTHERN RED-LEGGED FROG, Rana aurora. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 28 pp.)
National Audubon Society Reptiles and Amphibians Field Guide 2002. Waye, Heather. 1999. COSEWIC Status Report on the NORTHERN RED-LEGGED FROG, Rana aurora. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 28 pp.
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| Species Details |
Size: 2-5 Inches length
Regions: Coastal Northern California, Oregon, Washington and also found in BC Canada.
Breeding: Between the months of January and March
Alerts: Conservation of habitat needed and the introduction of none native species of tropical fish and prey.
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