The Frogs of Iowa Farm Ponds
Did you know that farm ponds support dozens of native plant and animal species? Here are some of the amphibious celebrities of the farm pond ecosystem:
Bullfrogs are everywhere! From puddles to ponds, bullfrogs can be found anywhere there is freshwater. However, bullfrog tadpoles need a permanent water source to successfully reach metamorphosis. Farm ponds are the perfect habitat for this species.
Gray Treefrogs can often be found clutching the leaves of cattails along the edge of ponds. Ponds with lots of wetland vegetation are preferred by these frogs.
Spring Peepers are the first sign of spring. This little frog can be identified by the X mark on its back. Spring Peepers can be found in wetlands throughout the eastern United States, but favor habitats that are fish free and dry up each summer.
Plains Leopard frogs can be found throughout the plains states of the Central US. They are the characteristic frog species of open grassy landscapes.
Bullfrog tadpoles can reach tremendous sizes! Research suggests that the size at which a tadpole metamorphoses into a juvenile frog determines how successful the individual will be in life. This big fella will probably do quite well for himself.
This Boreal Chorus Frog metamorph is just about ready to hop out of the pond.
