About Lithobates heckscheri (Wright, 1924)
Description
Size
The river frog (Lithobates heckscheri) is a very large frog species. Adult individuals commonly measure between 7 and 13 cm (3 and 5 inches) in length.
Skin and Dorsal Features
Its skin is rough and wrinkled, and it lacks the dorsolateral ridges that are present on the green frog (Lithobates clamitans). The frog's back is some shade of dark green or blackish-green, and its belly is dark grey or blackish, marked with pale wavy lines and specks.
Lip Markings
A distinctive trait of this species is white spots on the lips, particularly the lower lip. This feature helps distinguish the river frog from bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and pig frogs (Rana grylio).
Groin and Sexual Dimorphism
Another distinguishing feature is a pale band that outlines the groin. Males have a yellowish throat, and their tympani (eardrums) are larger than their eyes, while the tympani of females are smaller than their eyes.
Distribution and habitat
Geographic Range
The river frog is endemic to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the southeastern United States. At least historically, its range stretched southward from southern North Carolina to southeastern Mississippi and northern Florida.
Local Extirpation
It is now considered extirpated from North Carolina as a result of habitat loss.
Preferred Habitats
Its typical habitat consists of marshes and other wet areas with emergent vegetation, located near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.
