The Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) lives in a diverse array of water sources. Its lower abdomen and the underside of its hind legs are yellow or orange. It has a yellowish or reddish color on its dorsum, with black or brown spots or blotches. Juveniles have less color under their legs. When handled, it smells like garlic.Male frogs of this species develop nuptial pads on their thumb base during the breeding season.
Ten Facts about Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
- They range approximately between 2 and 3 inches (5 and 7.5 cm) in size.
- They prefer mountain creeks and lakes, particularly sunny riverbanks, meadow streams, isolated pools, and lake borders.
- Mountain Yellow-legged Frog occurs in the southern Sierra Nevada of California and in mountains to the south in southern California. In southern California south of the Sierra Nevada.
- Breeding occurs between April-July.
- Females lay 40-300 eggs in a compact cluster that resembles a small bunch of grapes.
- Mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles are among the largest of any frog in North America, reaching sizes of more than 3" (76 mm).
- Adults live around 15-20 years.
- Males attract females with their distinctive calls.
- To initiate mating, a male grasps a female with his powerful front legs, positioning him to fertilize the eggs as a female lays them.
- Eat insects, earthworms, small fishes, ants, butterflies, mice, grasshopper & lizards.
