South Central ARMI Graphic

South Central ARMI

Guide to Louisiana Amphibians

Southern crawfish frog (Rana areolata)

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	Range map source: USGS National Amphibian Atlas, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Shy, large, robust frog reaching a maximum length of 3.78 inches. Skin ranges from warty to creased to smooth. Prominent, dull colored dorsolateral ridges present. Dorsum is covered in blocky to circular brown spots. Upper lip is heavily mottled. Ventral surface is unmarked and light in coloration. Groin and concealed skin on thighs are yellow. Generates a foul-smelling skin secretion. Males sing from mid-January to early-March. Females lay 3,000 to 7,000 eggs in large 4 to 6 inch clusters that are deposited beneath aquatic vegetation. Species occurs in disjunct populations throughout the State.

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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/sc_armi/frogs_and_toads/rana_areolata.htm
Page Contact Information: nwrcweb@usgs.gov
Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 13-Aug-2008 16:56:04 EDT