What Is the Southern Frogs Real Name?

The Southern frog's real name is the Southern Leopard Frog. However, the "official" name given to the Southern Leopard Frog’s genus, aka its scientific name, is Rana sphenocephala. The genus name is used to differentiate each different species of frog from one another in order to facilitate animal identification and to make performing scientific research on the animals easier.   

The Southern Leopard Frog was given its name because of the dark spots that adorn its back and sides, as well as the top of the frog’s pointed head.

This particular frog lives mainly in Texas, but also has made a home for itself in the westernmost part of Kentucky where it has created a stronghold throughout the area.

The Southern Leopard Frog has become a major presence in Kentucky mainly due to the fact that the frog is able to breed throughout each month of the year, in many different environments.

Ditches, swamps, sediment basins, seasonal ponds, all of these environments attract the likes of mating Southern Leopard Frogs.

Southern Leopard Frog vs. Northern Leopard Frog

The difference between the Southern Leopard Frog and the Northern Leopard Frog is a very subtle one; but, if you know what you’re looking for, you can distinguish the two rather easily.

• The particular spot that lies between the eyes on the Southern Leopard Frog’s pointed head is light but visible, while the Northern Leopard Frog’s spots all remain on the frog’s body.

So, now you know the Southern Frog's real name, as well as some details about both the Southern and Northern frog.