Common.... but seldom seen, these frogs spend most of their life underground, living "rent-free" in holes of other animals, and those of the Gopher tortoise are preferred above all. They do not burrow, but share the dwellings of their much-larger neighbors, and can occur surprising distances from water, as long as there are "gopher holes" to ditch into to avoid the sometimes desert-like conditions! They venture forth at night and absorb the dew from nearby vegetation for their water, always quick to dive into their protective hole when threatened. They breed in open, grassy marshes during warm rainy weather, but are quick to return to their holes afterward!

These were taken near DeLand, Florida.

Rana aesopus













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