29 Types of Frogs in Mississippi
Yes, Mississippi is home to over 30 frog species, from the leafy treefrogs to the burrowing spadefoots. Start by learning their calls and habitat preferences. The species most often noticed include the Green Treefrog, Southern Leopard Frog, and the Spring Peeper.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- May, March, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
29 types of frogs recorded in Mississippi
29 frog species have a verified observation record in Mississippi, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 29 shown is recorded as introduced to Mississippi rather than native, and 1 is endemic to Mississippi, found here and effectively nowhere else.
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Also recorded in Mississippi
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | American ToadNativeAnaxyrus americanus | Anaxyrus americanus | 204 |
| 14 | Barking Tree FrogNativeDryophytes gratiosus | Dryophytes gratiosus | 160 |
| 15 | Pickerel FrogNativeLithobates palustris | Lithobates palustris | 151 |
| 16 | Oak ToadNativeAnaxyrus quercicus | Anaxyrus quercicus | 124 |
| 17 | Bird-voiced TreefrogNativeDryophytes avivoca | Dryophytes avivoca | 124 |
| 18 | Gulf Coast ToadNativeIncilius nebulifer | Incilius nebulifer | 112 |
| 19 | Eastern SpadefootNativeScaphiopus holbrookii | Scaphiopus holbrookii | 110 |
| 20 | Pine Woods Tree FrogNativeDryophytes femoralis | Dryophytes femoralis | 94 |
| 21 | Greenhouse FrogIntroducedEleutherodactylus planirostris | Eleutherodactylus planirostris | 79 |
| 22 | Pig FrogNativeLithobates grylio | Lithobates grylio | 62 |
| 23 | Cajun Chorus FrogNativePseudacris fouquettei | Pseudacris fouquettei | 47 |
| 24 | Crawfish FrogLithobates areolatus | Lithobates areolatus | 46 |
| 25 | Collinses' Mountain Chorus FrogNativePseudacris collinsorum | Pseudacris collinsorum | 31 |
| 26 | Northern Cricket FrogNativeAcris crepitans | Acris crepitans | 20 |
| 27 | Southern Chorus FrogNativePseudacris nigrita | Pseudacris nigrita | 20 |
| 28 | Blanchard's Cricket FrogNativeAcris blanchardi | Acris blanchardi | 19 |
| 29 | Dusky Gopher FrogEndemicLithobates sevosus | Lithobates sevosus | 16 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
11,986 verified observations on iNaturalist of frog have been recorded in Mississippi, most often in May, March, April.
When frog are recorded in Mississippi
Yes, Mississippi is home to over 30 frog species, from the leafy treefrogs to the burrowing spadefoots. Start by learning their calls and habitat preferences. The species most often noticed include the Green Treefrog, Southern Leopard Frog, and the Spring Peeper.
1. What are the most common frog species in Mississippi?
Mississippi hosts a rich diversity of frogs. The most frequently encountered include the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), often seen near water bodies; the Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus), common in grassy wetlands; and the Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), whose high-pitched call signals early spring. Other common species are the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis). For a full species list, check out ouranimals/frogpage.
In Mississippi, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How do you identify frogs by their calls?
Frog calls are the best ID tool. In Mississippi, the Green Treefrog gives a nasal 'queenk-queenk'. The Spring Peeper makes a high-pitched whistle, while the Southern Leopard Frog produces a short, guttural chuckle. Listen for the Bullfrog's deep 'jug-o-rum'. Use online sound libraries to match calls. Time of day matters: most calling happens at night, especially after rain.
3. Where in Mississippi are frogs most often seen?
Frogs concentrate near water: ponds, ditches, cypress swamps, and flooded fields. In the Delta region, look for them on levees and rice fields. The Pine Belt and coastal marshes are excellent for treefrogs and chorus frogs. Start near the Mississippi River backwaters and the Pascagoula River basin. For state-specific tips, visit ourwildlife/mississippihub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog spotting in Mississippi?
Late winter through early summer is prime. Spring peepers start calling in February. March to May is peak breeding season for most species, with heavy chorus after rains. Summer brings Bullfrogs and Green Treefrogs. Cooler evenings after a rain are best. In winter, only a few species like the Southern Leopard Frog remain active on warm days.
5. How do you tell apart similar-looking species?
Pay attention to body shape and back patterns. Green Treefrog is solid green with a white stripe on each side. Gray Treefrog has a mottled gray pattern. The Southern Leopard Frog is green or brown with distinct light-bordered spots. The Pickerel Frog has square spots and a yellow underside. Juveniles can be trickier: use their call to confirm.
6. What about tadpoles and froglets?
Tadpoles are worth noting. Bullfrog tadpoles are large with a rounded tail. Leopard Frog tadpoles have dark spots. Observe the breeding habitat: treefrogs lay eggs in small clutches on twigs above water, while Bullfrogs lay large egg masses. Froglets look like miniature adults but may lack full coloration. They are most likely seen in early summer near the water's edge.
7. Frog art prints to bring the swamp indoors
If you appreciate these amphibians, consider a wildlife print for your home. TheRed Eyed Tree Frog Limited-Edition Printcaptures the vivid rainforest beauty, while thePine Barrens Tree Frog Limited-Edition Printoffers a local species. Both are art prints that showcase frog diversity.Check Price and AvailabilityandCheck Price and Availabilityfor the Pine Barrens option. For more wildlife-themed apparel, browse ourt-shirtscollection.
Wall art print: Frog by Eimear Maguire on Artfully Walls. Illustration, Animals, framed or unframed art printed on fine art paper
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8. Frequently asked questions about Mississippi frogs
**Are there poisonous frogs in Mississippi?** Yes, the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) releases toxic secretions but is rare in the state. The Southern Toad has parotoid glands but is not harmful to humans. **What is the largest frog in Mississippi?** The American Bullfrog, reaching up to 8 inches long. **How do I attract frogs to my backyard?** Create a pond with native plants and avoid chemicals. **Can I keep a Mississippi frog as a pet?** Check local regulations; most wild frogs are protected. For more details, see ouranimals/frogguide.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most common frog species in Mississippi?+
Mississippi hosts a rich diversity of frogs. The most frequently encountered include the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea), often seen near water bodies; the Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus), common in grassy wetlands; and the Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), whose high-pitched call signals early spring. Other common species are the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis). For a full species list, check out ouranimals/frogpage. In Mississippi, frogs sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. How do you identify frogs by their calls?+
Frog calls are the best ID tool. In Mississippi, the Green Treefrog gives a nasal 'queenk-queenk'. The Spring Peeper makes a high-pitched whistle, while the Southern Leopard Frog produces a short, guttural chuckle. Listen for the Bullfrog's deep 'jug-o-rum'. Use online sound libraries to match calls. Time of day matters: most calling happens at night, especially after rain.
3. Where in Mississippi are frogs most often seen?+
Frogs concentrate near water: ponds, ditches, cypress swamps, and flooded fields. In the Delta region, look for them on levees and rice fields. The Pine Belt and coastal marshes are excellent for treefrogs and chorus frogs. Start near the Mississippi River backwaters and the Pascagoula River basin. For state-specific tips, visit ourwildlife/mississippihub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. When is the best season for frog spotting in Mississippi?+
Late winter through early summer is prime. Spring peepers start calling in February. March to May is peak breeding season for most species, with heavy chorus after rains. Summer brings Bullfrogs and Green Treefrogs. Cooler evenings after a rain are best. In winter, only a few species like the Southern Leopard Frog remain active on warm days.
5. How do you tell apart similar-looking species?+
Pay attention to body shape and back patterns. Green Treefrog is solid green with a white stripe on each side. Gray Treefrog has a mottled gray pattern. The Southern Leopard Frog is green or brown with distinct light-bordered spots. The Pickerel Frog has square spots and a yellow underside. Juveniles can be trickier: use their call to confirm.
6. What about tadpoles and froglets?+
Tadpoles are worth noting. Bullfrog tadpoles are large with a rounded tail. Leopard Frog tadpoles have dark spots. Observe the breeding habitat: treefrogs lay eggs in small clutches on twigs above water, while Bullfrogs lay large egg masses. Froglets look like miniature adults but may lack full coloration. They are most likely seen in early summer near the water's edge.
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