![]() A wood frog among dead oak and maple leaves is nearly invisible. Oak-hickory forest, often with sugar maple, is the preferred habitat. Wood frogs are also associated with cool, north-facing wooded hillsides, where there is ample shade and some moisture. Wood frogs travel up to 1,300 feet from the nearest breeding sites, and movement within these habitats is mainly at night during or following rainfall. They prefer forested, rocky ravines that are moist and cool. In summer, wood frogs live along shady ravines, among dead leaves, or along north-facing rock outcrops and bluffs. The wood frog is a secretive and solitary species that can be difficult to observe after its short breeding season. ![]() Another common characteristic is a glandular fold or ridge of skin along each side of the back (these are called dorsolateral folds). These are typically medium to large frogs with long legs, smooth skin, and well-developed webbing between the hind toes. Missouri has eight members of the true frog family. Similar species: Young green frogs (including their bronze frog color morph) can have a similar color, but they lack the distinctive dark brown mask through each eye. ![]() The sound of a small chorus of wood frogs does not carry far. The call of a male is a rapid, hoarse “waaaduck” sound that lasts about one second and may be quickly repeated three or four times they sound like quacking ducks. The belly is white with scattered dusky markings. The dorsolateral fold (ridge of skin running along each side of the back) is distinct and extends to the groin. There is a prominent white line along the upper lip. Scattered small, dark markings may be present on the back, and the hind legs usually have brown or dark brown bars. The general color is pinkish tan, light brown, reddish brown, or dark brown. The wood frog is a medium-sized, tan frog with a distinct, dark brown “mask” stripe on each side of the head extending from the snout to behind the tympanum (rounded external ear).
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