Frogs and a bug

[Stormyva]

Went out today for a short trip around a pond on the way back from the Peach Festival in Knotts Island, NC and came across these frogs......
I am not sure but I think that they are Rana sphenocephala (Southern Leopard Frog) maybe someone can correct me on that though.



On the way out the door this mantis tried to attack me and gouge out my eyes [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]......


That's been my excitement for the day so far!
[addsig]

[John_White]

Yes, the frogs are indeed Rana sphenocephala (Southern Leopard Frog).

John
[addsig]

[llama]

Hey John,
I just wondered how you could tell? I thought you could not tell the difference between these and Pickerel frogs, with out checking for the yellow coverage groin area. I have been out with kids in arbouretum classes and had them as me "What kinda frog is that?" I always have to tell them either leopard or pickerel frogs.
I shure would like to know how to tell the difference just by looking at them from afar.
Thanks, Jason Box
[addsig]

[John_White]

>>Hey John,
>> I just wondered how you could tell? I thought you could not tell the difference between these and Pickerel frogs, with out checking for the yellow coverage groin area. I have been out with kids in arbouretum classes and had them as me "What kinda frog is that?" I always have to tell them either leopard or pickerel frogs.
>> I shure would like to know how to tell the difference just by looking at them from afar.
>> Thanks, Jason Box

Hi Jason,

From a distance one can tell a Southern Leopard Frog from a Pickerel Frog by a few methods:

1) Southern leopard frogs have a well defined white spot on the tympanum (eardrum)
2) The dark dorsal blotches on the Pickerel Frog have squareish corners where as the dark blotches on the Southern Leopard Frog are more rounded.
3) The snout of the Southern Leopard Frog is more pointed than that of the Pickerel Frog


Hope this helps!

John

[Ed_r]

John I really think you need to put some thought into a field guide. You really know your stuff and how to tell it in laymans terms.
[addsig]

[John_White]

Ed, Thanks for the kind words.

John
[addsig]

[Stormyva]

Ed, a lot of John's pics and several other great shots can be found at the Va Herpetological Society web site. I have found that site to be an excellent resource for identifying Va native species.
Here is the link: VHS

[addsig]

[llama]

Thanks Jon,
a lot of the field guides I use just give general comparisons, and this will be of some help in amphibian outings. I hope to actualy meet you soon, as I am moving to the Richmond area and I will be staying with Bonnie Keller for a short time. I guess she rescues all types. Jason
[addsig]

[Stormyva]

Hmmm.... do I hear the possible workings of another mid-eastern region camping trip.
My wife, even though she does not like the actual herping part of the trips, is ready for another trip out.


Anyone else interested and any date ideas?

Jason can you talk to Bonnie and see if her and Rich might be interested?
[addsig]

[John_White]

I think another Mid-Atlantic camping/herpin' trip is a great idea!
The area near Front Royal or New Market, Virginia is pretty nice and has several local attractions including:

Shenandoah River Trips - http://www.shenandoah.cc/ (On the last trip a few years ago we found two county records)
Luray Zoo (formally called the Luray Reptile Zoo) - http://www.lurayzoo.com/ (Lots of herps and a petting farm for the kids)
Luray Caverns - http://www.luraycaverns.com/ (What's the difference between a cave and a hole in the ground ...? About $20 per person. Just kidding)

We could possibly gain access to the very rare (endangered) Shenandoah salamander (Plethodon shenandoah). This salamander is only found in Virginia on three mountain slopes, located within the Shenandoah National Park.

We're quickly running out of summer !!!
[addsig]

[Stormyva]

I am good for the weekend of Aug 23rd and I could also do the first couple weekends in September.
What dates are good for everyone else?
The Luray Zoo sounds good.... the caverns, been there done that, and you cant ever get enough canoing [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[addsig]