Southern Leopard Frog
Lithobates sphenocephala utricularius
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- L. s. utricularius – Bastrop Co, TX – photo by Gary Nafis
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- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Lithobates s. utricularius occurs naturally in eastern Texas. It has been introduced as an invasive species in two isolated locations in southern and central California.
LEGAL STATUS: No Listings
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lithobates sphenocephala utricularius (Harlan 1825)
Genus: Lithobates, Greek – lithos = stone + bates = one that treads or climbs – ref. one that treads on rock or climbs rocks
Species: sphenocephala, Greek – sphenos = wedge + kephalos = headed
Subspecies: utricularius, Latin = bearing a little bag — ref. throat pouches in the male
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962