LEOPARD FROG

(Rana pipiens), North American frog (family Ranidae) often used in laboratories and, for teaching purposes, in schools. It is a common frog found in the United States and Canada, and it frequents a variety of habitats, including marshes, meadows, and ponds. It often strays far from water. The leopard frog is about 5 to 13 centimetres (2 to 5 inches) long and is gray, green, or brown with paler lengthwise ridges on its back. Light-edged, dark spots are usually present on the upper surface of the body. Its call consists of throaty snoring and grunting sounds. Its close relativesthe southern leopard frog (R. utricularia), the plains leopard frog (R. blairi), the Rio Grande leopard frog (R. berlandieri), and the pickerel frog (R. palustris)are similar and extend the family's range into Mexico.