The leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) is a semiaquatic frog, found in wet areas such as ponds and lakes. These frogs are characterized by a pattern of ellipsoidal to circular dark spots on their dorsal side. These spots vary in size and shape depending on the species. The background color of the dorsal side ranges from bright grass green to a dull tan or brown.
These frogs are often found in moist woodland habitats, but can also be found near rivers and streams where the water is shallow and slow moving. They are very secretive in nature, hiding from predators and avoiding the gaze of humans.
Leopard frogs are not very good swimmers and will tend to stay close to the bottom of their habitat. This allows them to sift through the substrate and find food items that may have fallen in. As with all amphibians, proper husbandry is important for these frogs. A ten gallon tank is generally recommended for one frog, but it must be large enough to allow the frog to submerge itself. Ideally the tank should be split into an aquatic and land area. Adding a piece of driftwood with smooth, flat rocks stacked on top to provide a gradual transition from water to land will be beneficial for the frog.
These frogs are not particular about their prey and will consume most anything that fits into their mouths. This includes other frogs, snakes, insects, mice and even birds and crawfish. They are somewhat lazy hunters and will often wait for prey to come within reach, rather than actively seeking it out.