The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: The base color is various shades of green and brown with the face typically being green. Faint mottling of light brown or reddish brown on the dorsal. The legs are faintly barred. A fold of skin extends from the back of the eye and around the tympanum (ear). The tympanum is noticeably large. There are no dorsolateral ridges. The underside is white or cream-colored with various amounts of black reticulations, especially on the underside of the rear legs. Adult males have a yellow throat during breeding season.  

Call: A deep loud “jug-o-rum” lasting 4 to 5 seconds. This frog has an internal vocal sac causing the throat to bulge when calling.  When alarmed, this frog will commonly let out a high-pitched squeak before jumping into the water.  

Size: A large-sized frog averaging 6 to 8 inches in length. 

Range and Habitat: This non-native frog has become established in many areas within the state. It can inhabit various types of slow-moving water sources including marshes, ponds, ditches, streams, and lakes. It is typically encountered at lower elevations but has been documented near 9,000 feet in elevation.   

Similar Species: The Green Frog has dorsolateral ridges.