Posted by Adam Walsh on August 3, 2007

Q: Hi there! We live in Rockford, Illinois, (northern part) and while doing some yardwork, we came across a frog; we looked at numerous pictures online, but couldn't identify it. It is greenish brown, with long, slender fingers and toes (no pads), blotches across its back with a very distinct light line going from the crown of its head all the way to its rear. The legs have the same blotches as the back, but almost looked striped. There appear to be raised (ridges?) behind each eye, and a spotted underbelly.

I know it's probably hard to identify the kind of frog just from a verbal description! Any ideas?

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Illinois

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Thanks for such a nice description and your location info. From your description it sounds very much like the Northern Leopard Frog ( Rana pipiens)to me. These frogs can vary quite a bit in color and pattern, especially in your area, but the light ridge (dorsolateral ridge) that runs all the way to its groin and the area where you found it makes me fairly sure this could be your animal. Leopard frogs are often found far from water in areas that are moist. The frogs can be a bit confusing to ID but try looking up this species on the internet and look at a variety of individuals to make a match. You might want to start with this site dnr.wi.gov

Sorry I can't nail this frog for you. Next time, if you can take a photo that really would help. Thanks very much for asking.

John Wiessinger ( August 6, 2007)