River Frog

Rana heckscheri

HABITAT

Not only do these frogs inhabit rivers, they can also be found in floodplain swamps, ponds, lakes and marshes associated with rivers.  Tadpoles can be seen swimming in large schools.

BREEDING SEASON

Spring/Summer, April-August

SIMILAR TADPOLES

Small tadpoles:  Rana grylio, large tadpoles:  None

APPEARANCE

Larger tadpoles are very distinct and do not resemble any other tadpoles in the Southeast.

Head

Dorsal reddish eyes. Small tadpoles (~1 inch ) have a light golden band around the body just behind the eyes (similar to Rana grylio).

Body

Small  Rana heckscheri tadpoles (~ 1 inch ), have a dark, almost black body. As the tadpoles grow their color lightens becoming a deep olive.

Tail

The tail muscle is bi-colored being darker on top and lighter below. The fins start out clear and become opaque white edged with a dark black outline.

APPROXIMATE MAXIMUM SIZE

Very Large:  Over 4 inches, 25-100 mm.

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