Mississippi Gopher Frog - Characteristics

Characteristics

The Mississippi gopher frog is a mid-sized, stocky, frog whose total body length is about 3 inches (8 cm). The frog’s back ranges in color from black to brown or gray and is covered with dark spots and warts. The male's call has been compared to the sound of human snoring. Another notable feature of this secretive frog is that when exposed to bright light or threatened, the frog will put its hands in front of its face to shield its eyes. Other defense responses include inflating its body and secretion of a bitter, milky fluid from warty glands located on its back. Maximum longevity of the frog is 6 to 10 years.

The diet of adult frogs probably includes frogs, toads, insects, spiders, and earthworms. Males reach sexual maturity at 4 to 6 months and females at 2 to 3 years. The fist-sized egg masses, containing 2,000 or more eggs, are typically attached to stems of emergent vegetation. Tadpoles average slightly over 1 inch long (3 cm) and require 80 to 180 days to complete metamorphosis in the field.