Rana areolata
crawfish frog

Rana areolata is found in the central to southern region of the United States. There are 3 subspecies of R. areolata. They are R. a. areolata (crawfish frog), R. a. circulosa (crayfish frog), and R. a. aesopus (gopher frog). The different subspecies of R. areolata are found in generally the same area, around the Mississippi Valley. Rana areolata areolata is found in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and Kansas. Rana areolata circulosa is found in the states of Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Rana areolata aesopus is found in Florida. (Dickerson and Mary C., 1908; Tennessee Department of Environment, Conservation, and May 21, 1997; Wright et al., 1942; Wright et al., 1995)

Grasslands, prairies, and woodlands are areas where R. areolata is most likely to be encountered. However, it is hard to find R. areolata because it lives underground most of the year in old, vacant burrows of other animals. The opening of these burrows are about 76.2 mm wide and are usually covered with grass. However, during the mating season, R. areolata resides near river floodplains, ponds, and lakes. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Ken Crawford, Jeff Warwick, and January 11, 2001; Tennessee Department of Environment, Conservation, and May 21, 1997; Wright et al., 1942)

The length of the adult R. areolata is between 63.5 and 114.3 mm. It has a large head, which is 1/3 of its body size. This frog has large eyes and its ears are anywhere from 1/2 - 2/3 the size of its eye. Rana areolata is short and stout, and its body is a grayish or brownish color with spots. These spots range in size from small to large, they are a darker shade of brown than the body, and they are outlined in a lighter shade of tan. The hidden parts of the legs, feet, and groin area are a yellowish color, while its belly is white. The skin on the back of R. areolata is warty and has a rough feel to it. Rana areolata has long, well-developed hind legs. The length of the frog's strong legs is equal to the distance between the leg and the eye of the frog, or its nostril. Rana areolata has 4 digits connected to its legs, and the fourth is quite long and is not webbed together with the other 3 digits. The male's thumb is slightly enlarged compared to that of the female. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Wright et al., 1942; Wright et al., 1995)

The female lays anywhere from 3,000 - 7,000 eggs in a large mass. The female usually lays its eggs in shallow water, near tall grass. Upon hatching, the tadpole is anywhere from 38.1 - 50.8 mm in length. Tadpoles metamorphose in midsummer of their second year, generally the first week of July. Rana areolata becomes sexually mature no earlier than 3 years of age. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Ken Crawford, Jeff Warwick, and January 11, 2001; Wright et al., 1995)

Rana areolata is a solitary and secretive species that is generally quiet. However, during the mating season the male is quite loud when attempting to get the attention of the female, and this frog is also known to mate in large numbers. The male's breeding call is a loud, deep snore, and it is known to sound as if he is saying "waaaaaater." Rana areolata hides throughout most of the year, except during February and April (the mating season). It is hard to catch R. areolata because it lives most of its life underground and therefore avoids being caught by humans or predators. These frogs are quite fast on land, yet slow movers in the water. Its only defense mechanism in the water is to swim to the bottom of the lake or pond by keeping its front legs close to the body while using its hind legs to propel itself forward. (Dickerson and Mary C., 1908; Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Tennessee Department of Environment, Conservation, and May 21, 1997; Wright et al., 1942; Wright et al., 1995)

Male R. areolata produce calls to attract females in the mating season. The male's breeding call is a loud, deep snore, and it is known to sound as if he is saying "waaaaaater."

Rana areolata generally eats insects, as well as small crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Johnson and Tom R., 1982)

Carnivorous fish will eat tadpoles of this species. It is hard to catch adult R. areolata because it lives most of its life underground and therefore avoids being caught by humans or predators. These frogs are quite fast on land, yet slow movers in the water. Its only defense mechanism in the water is to swim to the bottom of the lake or pond by keeping its front legs close to the body while using its hind legs to propel itself forward. (Dickerson and Mary C., 1908; Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Tennessee Department of Environment, Conservation, and May 21, 1997; Wright et al., 1942; Wright et al., 1995)

Rana areoleta is a generalist carnivore, and may impact the populations of many species of small vertebrates and invertebrates. It may also be a prey item for other species, especially before metamorphosis. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999; Johnson and Tom R., 1982)

Information is unknown.

Information is unknown.

Although these frogs are not listed as endangered or threatened, they may be in decline in some areas due to the introductions of carnivorous fish. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources and January 21, 1999)