You’ve probably heard them before you’ve seen them—the distinctive chorus of croaks, peeps, and trills echoing across your pond at dusk. Ponds serve as essential habitats for numerous frog species, each bringing unique characteristics, behaviors, and ecological benefits to your backyard ecosystem.
Whether you’re managing a decorative water garden or a natural wetland area, understanding the different types of frogs in ponds helps you appreciate the biodiversity thriving just outside your door.
From the deep-voiced American bullfrog to the tiny spring peeper, you’ll discover how to identify these fascinating amphibians and learn what makes each species special in its own right.
American Bullfrog
The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) stands as North America’s largest frog species, earning its reputation through both size and sound. You’ll recognize these impressive amphibians by their massive build—adults commonly reach 6 to 8 inches in body length, with some specimens exceeding this range.
Their coloration varies from green to brown on their backs, while their bellies display cream or white undersides often marked with gray mottling.
Pro Tip: Listen for the bullfrog’s distinctive call, which sounds like a deep “jug-o-rum” or “br-wum.” Males produce this resonant sound during breeding season, typically from late spring through summer.
Your pond’s bullfrog population serves multiple ecological functions. These opportunistic predators consume insects, smaller frogs, fish, and even small birds or snakes.
According to research from wildlife management studies, bullfrogs can significantly impact pond ecosystems by controlling insect populations while also competing with native species. You’ll typically spot them along pond edges, basking on lily pads, or floating with just their eyes and nostrils above water.
They prefer permanent water bodies with abundant vegetation, making established backyard ponds ideal habitats.
Green Frog
Green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) are medium-sized amphibians you’ll frequently encounter around your pond. These frogs measure 2 to 4 inches in length and display vibrant green or bronze coloring on their heads and shoulders, with the rest of their bodies showing brown or gray tones.
You can distinguish them from bullfrogs by examining the distinctive ridges running down each side of their backs—these dorsolateral folds extend from behind the eyes to about halfway down the body.
Their call resembles a loose banjo string being plucked, creating a single note that sounds like “gunk” or “clung.” You’ll hear this sound most frequently during warm evenings from April through August. Green frogs demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in various aquatic environments from small ponds to large lakes.
They prefer shallow areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation where they can hunt for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. These frogs remain active throughout the warmer months and hibernate underwater during winter, burrowing into pond substrate or settling beneath submerged logs.
Common Mistake: Many people confuse green frogs with young bullfrogs. Remember that green frogs have prominent dorsolateral folds that run partway down their backs, while bullfrogs lack these ridges entirely.
Leopard Frog
The leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) brings distinctive spotted patterns to your pond ecosystem. You’ll immediately recognize these medium-sized frogs by the dark, rounded spots covering their green or brown backs—a pattern resembling a leopard’s coat.
They typically measure 2 to 4 inches in length and feature prominent dorsolateral folds running the full length of their bodies, along with a white or cream-colored underside.
These frogs produce a snore-like call followed by several grunts, creating a rhythmic sound you’ll hear during breeding season in early spring. According to amphibian conservation research, leopard frog populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades due to habitat loss and disease, making your backyard pond a valuable refuge for these beautiful amphibians.
You’ll find leopard frogs exhibiting more terrestrial behavior than many pond species—they venture considerable distances from water to hunt in grassy areas and meadows. During summer months, they may travel up to a mile from their breeding ponds.
They feed on a diverse diet including insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. Your pond serves as their primary breeding ground in spring, but they’ll use surrounding upland areas for summer feeding before returning to deeper water for winter hibernation.
Pickerel Frog
Pickerel frogs (Lithobates palustris) add unique beauty to your pond with their rectangular spot patterns. Unlike the rounded spots on leopard frogs, you’ll notice that pickerel frogs display spots arranged in neat, parallel rows down their backs.
These medium-sized frogs measure 2 to 4 inches and feature tan or bronze base coloring with dark brown or black rectangular spots. Their most distinctive feature appears on their hidden surfaces—bright yellow or orange coloring on the undersides of their hind legs.
Key Insight: Pickerel frogs produce skin secretions that are toxic to many predators and can even be harmful to other frog species. Never house pickerel frogs with other amphibians in captivity, as these secretions can prove fatal to tank mates.
Their call resembles a low snore or croak, lasting about two seconds and sounding somewhat like hands rubbing together. You’ll typically find pickerel frogs in cooler, clear water environments.
They prefer ponds with rocky bottoms and good water quality, often favoring spring-fed systems. These frogs demonstrate sensitivity to water pollution, making their presence an indicator of healthy pond conditions.
During warmer months, they hunt for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates both in and around your pond. They hibernate underwater during winter, often congregating in groups within the pond substrate.
Wood Frog
Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) represent one of nature’s most remarkable survivors, despite their delicate appearance. You’ll recognize these small to medium-sized frogs—measuring 1.5 to 3 inches—by their distinctive dark “robber’s mask” marking that extends from their nose through each eye.
Their body coloration varies from tan to brown or rust-colored, with a pale line along their upper jaw creating a striking contrast.
These frogs produce a duck-like quacking call during their brief breeding season, which occurs in early spring—often before ice has completely left your pond. Wood frogs achieve extraordinary cold tolerance through a fascinating biological adaptation: their bodies produce glucose that acts as a natural antifreeze, allowing them to survive being partially frozen during winter.
Research in cryobiology has shown that wood frogs can tolerate up to 70% of their body water freezing, then thaw and resume normal activity when temperatures rise.
Unlike many pond species, wood frogs spend most of their lives in moist woodland areas, returning to ponds only for breeding. After their explosive breeding period in early spring—which may last just a few days—adults leave the pond and disperse into surrounding forests.
You’ll find their egg masses attached to vegetation in shallow pond areas, appearing as globular clusters. The tadpoles develop rapidly, transforming into juvenile frogs within 6 to 15 weeks, allowing them to leave the pond before summer’s end.
Northern Cricket Frog
Northern cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) are among the smallest pond residents you’ll encounter. These tiny amphibians measure just 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length, yet they pack remarkable agility into their compact frames.
Their coloration varies tremendously—ranging from brown, gray, or green backgrounds with darker blotches and bands. You can identify them by the distinctive dark triangle or Y-shaped mark between their eyes and a dark stripe running along the back of each thigh.
Pro Tip: Despite their name and size, cricket frogs are not true tree frogs. They lack the expanded toe pads characteristic of tree frogs and spend their time on the ground or in shallow water rather than climbing.
Their call sounds exactly like two pebbles being clicked together rhythmically—a sharp “gick-gick-gick” that increases in tempo. You’ll hear this distinctive sound during warm months, particularly after rainfall.
Northern cricket frogs demonstrate exceptional jumping ability relative to their size, capable of leaping up to three feet in a single bound to escape predators. They remain active during daylight hours more than many frog species, basking on mud flats and along pond edges.
These frogs prefer shallow, vegetated areas of your pond with muddy or sandy substrates. Cricket frogs face population declines in portions of their range, making habitat conservation increasingly important.
They feed primarily on small insects and spiders. Unlike most frogs in your region, cricket frogs remain active well into fall, and some populations stay active throughout mild winters, seeking shelter under debris near the pond edge rather than hibernating underwater.
Southern Cricket Frog
Southern cricket frogs (Acris gryllus) closely resemble their northern cousins but occupy different geographic ranges and habitats. These diminutive frogs measure 0.6 to 1.3 inches and display highly variable coloration including brown, gray, green, or reddish tones with darker markings.
You can distinguish them from northern cricket frogs by their more pointed snout and slightly longer hind legs, though these differences require close observation.
Their call sounds similar to the northern species but typically features a more rapid clicking pattern—imagine the sound of two marbles striking each other in quick succession. You’ll hear these calls year-round in warmer climates, though calling activity peaks during spring and summer breeding seasons.
Southern cricket frogs prefer warmer water temperatures than their northern relatives, thriving in shallow, heavily vegetated ponds, swamps, and marshes.
| Feature | Northern Cricket Frog | Southern Cricket Frog |
|---|---|---|
| Size Range | 0.5-1.5 inches | 0.6-1.3 inches |
| Snout Shape | Somewhat blunt | More pointed |
| Hind Leg Length | Proportionally shorter | Proportionally longer |
| Call Pattern | Moderate clicking tempo | Rapid clicking tempo |
| Climate Preference | Tolerates cooler temperatures | Prefers warmer climates |
| Primary Range | Midwest to Eastern US | Southeastern US |
You’ll find these frogs most active during daylight hours, especially on warm, sunny days. They bask along pond edges and on floating vegetation, quickly diving into water when disturbed.
Southern cricket frogs feed on tiny insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Their populations show resilience in appropriate habitats, though wetland loss continues to threaten their range.
They seek shallow water areas for winter shelter in colder portions of their range, while remaining active year-round in subtropical regions.
Pacific Treefrog
Pacific treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla) bring remarkable versatility to western pond ecosystems. Despite their common name, you’ll find these small frogs—measuring 0.75 to 2 inches—both in trees and around pond edges with equal comfort.
Their most reliable identification feature is the dark stripe extending from the nose through each eye to the shoulder. Their base coloration demonstrates incredible variation, shifting from green to brown, gray, or reddish tones depending on temperature, humidity, and surroundings. You’ll notice their expanded toe pads, which enable impressive climbing abilities.
Key Insight: Pacific treefrogs can change color over several minutes to hours, allowing them to blend with their environment. This ability helps them regulate body temperature and avoid predators.
Their call creates the classic “ribbit” sound—specifically “kreck-ek” or “ribbit”—that you’ve heard in countless movies and television shows. Males call from vegetation near water during breeding season, which extends from November through July depending on location and elevation.
These adaptable amphibians thrive in diverse habitats from sea level to mountain elevations, utilizing various water bodies for breeding.
You’ll find Pacific treefrogs in and around your pond primarily during breeding season. The rest of the year, they disperse into surrounding areas including forests, grasslands, and even urban gardens.
These frogs serve as important indicator species for environmental health in western ecosystems. They feed on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, often hunting during evening hours.
During colder months, they hibernate in moist sheltered locations including under bark, in rock crevices, or beneath leaf litter near your pond.
Gray Treefrog
Gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) are master camouflage artists you’ll discover in wooded pond areas. These medium-sized treefrogs measure 1.5 to 2.5 inches and feature rough, warty skin in shades of gray, green, or brown.
Their most striking feature appears when they move—bright yellow or orange coloring on the concealed surfaces of their hind legs. You’ll notice their large toe pads, which enable them to climb vertical surfaces with ease, including tree bark, walls, and window glass.
Their call sounds like a short, melodious trill lasting one to three seconds—often described as a bird-like sound that’s more musical than harsh. Multiple males calling together create a chorus that resonates through wooded pond areas on warm, humid evenings.
Gray treefrogs demonstrate the ability to change color gradually over several hours, matching their background environment for improved camouflage and temperature regulation.
Common Mistake: Gray treefrogs and Cope’s gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) look virtually identical. The most reliable way to distinguish them is by their calls—gray treefrogs produce slower, more melodious trills while Cope’s gray treefrogs deliver faster, more nasal-sounding calls.
You’ll rarely see these frogs during daylight hours as they remain hidden in tree cavities, under bark, or among leaves. They become active after sunset, hunting for insects, spiders, and other small prey.
Gray treefrogs spend most of their lives in trees, descending to your pond only for breeding. Their tadpoles develop over 6 to 8 weeks before transforming into tiny froglets.
During winter, adults hibernate in tree cavities or under leaf litter, producing glycerol in their blood that provides cold tolerance similar to wood frogs, though typically less extreme.
Spring Peeper
Spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) announce the arrival of spring with their distinctive high-pitched calls. These tiny frogs measure just 0.75 to 1.5 inches in length, making them one of the smallest species you’ll encounter around your pond.
You can identify them by the dark X-shaped mark on their backs—the species name “crucifer” means “cross-bearing.” Their coloration ranges from tan to brown or gray, and they possess small toe pads that enable limited climbing ability.
Their call creates one of nature’s most recognizable spring sounds—a high-pitched, ascending whistle that sounds like “peep” repeated at regular intervals. When hundreds of males call together during breeding season, the chorus can be almost deafening, reaching sound levels over 100 decibels.
This massive chorus typically begins in early spring when nighttime temperatures consistently reach above 40°F.
Despite their loud presence during breeding season, spring peepers prove remarkably difficult to spot. They call from vegetation at pond edges, often continuing their songs even as you approach, yet they freeze and remain silent the moment they detect your movement.
These frogs demonstrate freeze tolerance similar to wood frogs, allowing them to survive winter temperatures that would kill most amphibians.
You’ll find spring peepers at your pond primarily during their brief breeding season, which lasts several weeks in early spring. After breeding concludes, adults disperse into surrounding wooded areas where they spend the rest of the year.
They feed on small insects, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates. During summer and fall, you might hear occasional soft peeping calls from wooded areas, though nothing approaching the intensity of spring breeding choruses. They hibernate under logs, bark, or leaf litter in wooded areas near your pond.
African Clawed Frog
African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) represent a non-native species you might encounter in certain ponds, particularly in warmer regions. These fully aquatic frogs measure 2 to 5 inches and feature flattened bodies with smooth, slimy skin.
Their coloration typically appears olive to brown on top with a white or cream underside, often featuring darker mottling. You’ll recognize them by their distinctive feet—the hind feet have three dark claws on the inner toes, while the front feet lack webbing and feature long, thin fingers used for feeding.
Important Note: African clawed frogs are invasive in North America. Originally brought to the continent for laboratory research and later as pets, established populations now exist in several states. They pose threats to native amphibians and ecosystem balance.
These frogs lack tongues and external eardrums, setting them apart from native species. They capture prey using their clawed fingers, stuffing food into their mouths in a distinctive feeding behavior.
African clawed frogs call underwater, producing a series of metallic-sounding clicks or trills. They remain completely aquatic throughout their lives, coming to the surface only to breathe.
You’ll find these frogs in still or slow-moving water bodies with muddy bottoms. They tolerate poor water quality better than most native species and can survive in polluted conditions.
Their presence in non-native habitats raises serious conservation concerns because they compete with and prey upon native amphibians, consume fish eggs, and alter food web dynamics.
If you identify African clawed frogs in your pond and live outside their native range of sub-Saharan Africa, contact your local wildlife management agency. These frogs reproduce year-round in suitable climates, laying hundreds of eggs that develop into tadpoles within just a few days.
Bronze Frog
Bronze frogs (Lithobates clamitans clamitans) represent a subspecies of the green frog with distinctive coloring that sets them apart. You’ll recognize these medium-sized amphibians—measuring 2 to 4 inches—by their bronze or coppery brown coloration, particularly noticeable on the head and upper back.
Like all green frogs, they possess prominent dorsolateral folds running from behind their eyes to about halfway down their backs.
Their call sounds identical to green frogs—that distinctive single-note “gunk” resembling a loose banjo string. Males call from shallow water areas, particularly around vegetation at pond edges.
Bronze frogs prefer clear, permanent water bodies with abundant aquatic plants. They demonstrate similar habits to their green frog cousins, basking on logs and lily pads during daylight hours and hunting for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates.
| Characteristic | Bronze Frog | Green Frog |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Color | Bronze/copper brown | Green to brown |
| Head/Shoulder Color | Distinctly bronze | Bright green |
| Size Range | 2-4 inches | 2-4 inches |
| Dorsolateral Folds | Present, halfway down back | Present, halfway down back |
| Call | Single “gunk” note | Single “gunk” note |
| Habitat Preference | Clear, vegetated ponds | Adaptable to various waters |
You’ll find bronze frogs most abundant in the southeastern United States, where they thrive in warm water environments. They remain active throughout the warmer months, from early spring through late fall.
During winter, they hibernate underwater, seeking shelter in pond substrate, under submerged logs, or within aquatic vegetation. Bronze frogs play important roles in pond ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators including snakes, birds, and mammals.
Plains Leopard Frog
Plains leopard frogs (Lithobates blairi) bring their distinctive spotted patterns to ponds across the central United States. These medium-sized frogs measure 2 to 4.5 inches and feature numerous dark circular or oval spots with light borders against a brown, tan, or greenish background.
You can distinguish them from northern leopard frogs by examining their dorsolateral folds—these ridges are interrupted or inset just before the hind legs rather than running continuously to the groin area.
Pro Tip: Look for the white or cream-colored spot on each eardrum (tympanum). This distinctive marking helps confirm you’re observing a plains leopard frog rather than other leopard frog species.
Their call consists of two to four rapid chuckles followed by several grunts—a rhythmic “chuck-chuck-chuck, grrr-grrr” pattern. You’ll hear these calls during their breeding season, which typically occurs after heavy spring rains create temporary flooding around permanent ponds.
Plains leopard frogs demonstrate more tolerance for grassland habitats than many pond species, venturing significant distances from water during summer months.
You’ll find these frogs in prairie ponds, marshes, and along streams with shallow water and abundant vegetation. They feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
Plains leopard frogs spend winter hibernating underwater, often gathering in groups within deeper sections of your pond. Conservation efforts have increased due to population declines attributed to habitat loss and disease.
Your backyard pond serves as valuable habitat, particularly if surrounded by grassland or prairie vegetation where these frogs spend their summer months.
Southern Leopard Frog
Southern leopard frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus) add spotted beauty to ponds across the southern United States. These streamlined frogs measure 2 to 5 inches in length and display numerous dark spots against green, brown, or bronze backgrounds.
Their dorsolateral folds run continuously from behind the eyes to the groin area without interruption. You’ll notice their pointed snout—more elongated than that of northern or plains leopard frogs—and a distinctive light spot centered on each eardrum.
Their call sounds like a short chuckle followed by several grunts—similar to other leopard frogs but typically delivered at a faster tempo. Multiple males create a complex chorus during breeding season, which can occur almost year-round in the warmest portions of their range.
Southern leopard frogs prefer warmer water temperatures than their northern relatives, remaining active during milder winter weather in southern regions.
You’ll find these adaptable frogs in various shallow water habitats including pond edges, marshes, and vegetated areas of lakes. They demonstrate less terrestrial wandering than some leopard frog species, typically remaining closer to water throughout the year.
Southern leopard frogs feed on a diverse diet of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. They hunt both in shallow water and on land near pond edges, especially during evening hours.
Key Insight: Southern leopard frogs often remain active on warm winter nights in the Deep South, while their northern cousins hibernate. This year-round activity allows them to maintain feeding and even breeding during mild winter months.
During breeding season, females attach egg masses to submerged vegetation in shallow water. The gelatinous egg masses contain several hundred to over 1,000 eggs that hatch within about a week.
Tadpoles develop over 8 to 12 weeks before metamorphosis. These frogs serve as important indicators of wetland health throughout their southeastern range, contributing to both aquatic and terrestrial food webs.
Pond Frog
Pond frogs (Pelophylax lessonae) are European natives you’ll rarely encounter in North American waters, though understanding them provides valuable perspective on global pond biodiversity. These medium-sized frogs measure 2 to 3 inches and display bright green coloring with dark spots against their backs.
Males often show brilliant emerald coloration during breeding season. They possess fully webbed hind feet and prominent eyes positioned high on their heads.
In their native European range, pond frogs produce a laughing call that sounds like rapid “keck-keck-keck” notes, particularly on warm spring and summer evenings. They inhabit permanent ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout Europe, preferring shallow areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
These frogs rarely venture far from water, spending most of their lives in or immediately adjacent to aquatic habitats.
| Species | Pond Frog (Europe) | Marsh Frog (Europe/Asia) | Edible Frog (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 2-3 inches | 3-7 inches | 2.5-4.5 inches |
| Coloration | Bright green with spots | Green-brown, heavily spotted | Variable, intermediate |
| Call | Rapid “keck-keck” | Loud laughing “raa-raa” | Intermediate pattern |
| Habitat | Small ponds | Larger water bodies | Various aquatic habitats |
| Native Range | Central/Northern Europe | Southern Europe/Asia | Where parent species overlap |
Pond frogs feed primarily on insects, though larger individuals consume snails, worms, and occasionally smaller frogs. They bask frequently on floating vegetation and along pond margins during daylight hours.
During winter, European pond frogs hibernate underwater in pond substrate or beneath debris, similar to North American ranid frogs. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining clean, vegetated ponds throughout their range, as habitat loss threatens many European amphibian populations.
Marsh Frog
Marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) represent Europe and Asia’s largest native water frog species. These robust amphibians measure 3 to 7 inches in length, with some individuals exceeding this range.
You’ll recognize them by their stocky build, prominent dorsolateral folds, and heavily spotted green-brown coloration. Males develop paired external vocal sacs that inflate during calling, creating distinctive bulges on each side of the head.
Their call produces a loud, laughing sound—repeated “raa-raa-raa” or “reck-reck-reck” notes that can be heard over considerable distances. Large choruses create deafening sounds during breeding season, which extends from April through June in most of their range.
Marsh frogs prefer larger water bodies than pond frogs, thriving in extensive marshes, large ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
Important Note: Marsh frogs have been introduced to parts of England where they were not previously native. These introduced populations now compete with native amphibians and have altered local pond ecosystems, demonstrating the importance of preventing species introductions.
These highly aquatic frogs rarely venture far from water, spending most of their time in or floating on the water surface. They demonstrate aggressive behavior toward smaller frog species and consume a varied diet including insects, spiders, smaller frogs, fish, and even small birds or rodents when opportunities arise.
Marsh frogs bask extensively during sunny weather, often in large groups on pond banks or floating vegetation.
You’ll find marsh frogs active during daylight hours, though they call most actively during evening hours. They hibernate underwater during winter months, burrowing into mud or seeking shelter beneath submerged debris.
Conservation status varies across their range, with some populations thriving while others face threats from habitat loss and water pollution.
Their size and voracious appetite make them important predators in European and Asian pond ecosystems, though these same characteristics can cause problems when they’re introduced to areas outside their native range.
Edible Frog
Edible frogs (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) represent a fascinating genetic phenomenon—they’re a hybrid species resulting from breeding between pond frogs and marsh frogs. These medium to large frogs measure 2.5 to 4.5 inches and display characteristics intermediate between their parent species.
Their coloration varies tremendously, ranging from bright green to brownish-green with variable spotting patterns. You’ll notice they typically appear more similar to pond frogs in size and build but may show traits of marsh frogs in coloring and behavior.
Key Insight: Edible frogs demonstrate a unique reproductive system called hybridogenesis. When edible frogs mate, they exclude one parent species’ genome from their reproductive cells, passing only the other parent’s genes to offspring.
This means edible frogs must continually breed with either pond frogs or marsh frogs to maintain their populations—they cannot produce viable pure edible frog offspring.
Their call combines elements of both parent species, typically sounding intermediate in pitch and pattern—a series of laughing notes that fall between the rapid “keck-keck” of pond frogs and the deeper “raa-raa” of marsh frogs. Edible frogs occupy habitats where both parent species live, thriving in ponds, lakes, and marshes throughout central and western Europe.
These frogs demonstrate variable behavior depending on which parent species dominates local populations. In some areas, they behave more like pond frogs, preferring smaller water bodies with dense vegetation.
In other regions, they adopt marsh frog characteristics, favoring larger water bodies and displaying more aggressive behavior. Edible frogs feed on insects, spiders, worms, and other invertebrates, with larger individuals occasionally consuming smaller frogs.
The name “edible frog” comes from their traditional importance in French cuisine, where frog legs are considered a delicacy. Their hybrid nature and complex genetics make them subjects of ongoing scientific research into evolution, speciation, and reproductive strategies.
They hibernate underwater during winter, utilizing pond substrate and submerged debris for shelter. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining habitat for both parent species, as edible frogs depend on the presence of at least one parent species for successful reproduction.
Conclusion
Understanding the diverse frog species that might visit your pond helps you appreciate the ecological treasure in your backyard. Each species contributes uniquely to your pond’s ecosystem—controlling insect populations, serving as prey for other wildlife, and indicating environmental health through their presence or absence.
By maintaining clean water, preserving aquatic vegetation, and protecting the surrounding habitat, you create a welcoming environment for these remarkable amphibians.
Whether you hear the deep rumble of a bullfrog, the high-pitched peeping of spring peepers, or the melodious trill of gray treefrogs, you’re experiencing the rich biodiversity that makes ponds such vital ecosystems.
Listen carefully during evening hours, observe quietly along your pond’s edge, and you’ll discover an amazing variety of frogs calling your water feature home.
