Northern Leopard Frog

Family: 
Ranidae (true frogs) in the order Anura (frogs)
Description: 

This medium-sized frog has two skin folds running down each side of the back and dark spots on the back. To distinguish it from the plains leopard frog, look for a continuous, wide skin fold down each side of the back northern leopard frogs also have dark spots surrounded by light rings on their back and a dark spot on their short, blunt nose. Brown or brown-green, with rounded dark spots compared to elongated dark spots found on southern leopard frogs.  Makes a deep, rattling snore with occasional clucking grunts.

Size: 
2 to 3 inches in head-body length.
Habitat and conservation: 
Lives in or near marshes, flooded ditches and small ponds.
Foods: 
Eats a variety of insects and spiders.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Only found in northwestern Missouri.
Status: 
A Species of Conservation Concern in Missouri.
Life cycle: 
A female may lay up to 6,000 eggs in a shallow, grassy area of a marsh during late March through April.