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Latin Name: Rana pipiens
Native to: United States
Maximum Length: 3 inches
Approximate Life Span: 5 - 8 years
LEOPARD FROG GENERAL INFORMATION
Leopard frogs are usually depicted in TV and movies as the typical
frog. They are very alert and active with great appetites. It is not
recommended to keep small lizards such as Anoles or House Geckos with
Leopard Frogs because of their tendency to eat anything that will fit
into their mouths.
LEOPARD FROG ENCLOSURE
Up to 3 Leopard Frogs can be housed in a 15 gallon aquarium with a well
ventilated screen top. Leopard Frogs are ground dwelling amphibians but
occasionally like to climb on small branches and logs. When looking for
an enclosure, floor space is more important than height.
SUBSTRATE
The substrate should consist of loose,
semi-moist peat moss or humus mixed with potting soil about 2 - 3
inches deep. The substrate should also consist of a damp top layer of
dead leaves, Zoo Med REPTI BARK™ and sphagnum moss. This additional
layer will help provide cover, and help maintain a steady humidity
level. Make sure all substrates are pesticide and Styrolite™ free.
Change the substrate about every 8 - 12 weeks, more often if appears
dirty. Provide lots of hiding places in the form of cork bark, and silk
or live plants.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Leopard frogs should be
kept at 70 - 80°f , with a nighttime drop to 70 - 75°f. The terrarium
should be misted each evening with fresh, cool (75°f) de-chlorinated
water to keep the moss damp but not soggy. Keep a high humidity level
of 70 - 75%. Do not allow it to get so humid that water droplets form
on the glass. If the humidity level is kept too high it will be
detrimental to the well being of your pets.
HEATING
Unless you live in a particularly cold area,
no heat source will be needed. Always use a thermometer and humidity
gauge in all reptile & amphibian enclosures. Reptiles and
amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb
is ideal for nighttime viewing.
LIGHTING
UVB lighting is not a necessity for Leopard frogs, but it will not harm
them. The UVA present in the bulbs will greatly help their mental
well-being and will bring out their colors. The Zoo Med REPTISUN™ is an
excellent choice. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period. A
plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your
heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period (light
cycle) of 8 - 10 hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of dark. Reptiles and
amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb
is ideal for nighttime viewing of your Leopard Frogs.
FOOD & WATER FOR LEOPARD FROGS
Leopard Frogs should be fed every
other day. They will eat large crickets, meal worms, meal worm beetles,
earthworms, small pinkie mice and fly larvae. They can eat from 3 - 4
crickets in one feeding. Do not over-feed, or feed a food item too
large. Always feed your crickets assorted fruits and vegetables or a
commercially prepared cricket diet 12 - 24 hours before feeding the
crickets to your pets. Once a week dust the crickets with Zoo Med
REPTIVITE® vitamins just before feeding them to your Leopard Frogs.
Provide a large 1 - 2 inch deep plastic water dish sunk into the
substrate that your frogs can get in and out of easily. The water depth
should be ½ the height of the frog. All amphibians absorb water through
their skin, so the water should always be clean. Change water at least
every other day with fresh de-chlorinated or spring water with a
temperature of about 75°f. Change more often if the water appears
dirty.
NOTES
The Leopard Frog's secretion should not be
allowed to come in contact with any open wounds, your eyes, mouth or
mucous membranes. Always wash your hands before and immediately after
handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with
reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your
pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night,
leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items
to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and
amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Leopard Frogs. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the
care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Amphibians 
