Family: Ranidae, True Frogs view all from this family

Description 1 3/4-3 7/16" (4.4-8.7 cm). Smooth-skinned, tan, with parallel rows of dark squarish blotches running down back. Jaw has light stripe. Dorsolateral folds yellow. Belly and under surfaces of hind legs bright yellow to orange.

Voice   A steady low croak. May call in a rolling snore while under water.

Breeding March to May. Egg nasses are attached to submerged vegetation.

Habitat Slow-moving water and other damp areas, preferably with low, dense vegetation; streams, swamps, and meadows.

Range Throughout the eastern states except the extreme Southeast.

Discussion Nocturnal. An irritating skin secretion makes this frog unappetizing to some predators. The secretion will kill other frogs kept in the same collecting container or terrarium. Pickerel frogs hibernate from October until March or April.