Southern Leopard Frog
(Rana sphenocephala utricularius)
The southern leopard frog is very similar to the northern leopard frog. They are generally two to four inches in length and are brown or green with dark spots outlined in lighter color. It can most easily be distinguished by light colored spot in the middle of the southern leopard frog's tympanic membrane. The southern leopard frog also tends to have less markings on their side as well as having a more pointy head.
The southern leopard frog can be found from southern New York State to Florida and range as far west as Texas and Kansas. In New York State they have been recorded on Long Island and there have been reports of sightings in central New York State as well.
Southern leopard frogs prefer shallow, freshwater ponds and will often move away from the water in the summer and utilize vegetation for cover and shade.