Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: FROG, NORTHERN CRAWFISH

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: ANURA

Family: RANIDAE

Genus: LITHOBATES

Species: AREOLATUS

SubSpecies: CIRCULOSUS

Taxonomic Authority: RICE and DAVIS

Taxonomy References: 015 , 002 , 021

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S3
GLOBAL RANK G4T4

Status References: 009 , 014 , 019 , 020

Habitat Summary

"Occur in native prairie, or former prairie ares in low meadows and pastures. Occasionally found in floodplains. Breed in waterholes and ditches."

Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"

References: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs in flat areas, rolling hills, and prairies in western, central and eastern Missouri *01*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
ADAIR AUDRAIN BARRY ANDREW
BARTON CALDWELL BUCHANAN ATCHISON
BATES CAMDEN DALLAS BOLLINGER
BENTON CARROLL GASCONADE BUTLER
BOONE CEDAR GENTRY CAPE GIRARDEAU
CALLAWAY CLARK JEFFERSON CARTER
CASS CLAY LACLEDE CHRISTIAN
CHARITON CLINTON LAWRENCE CRAWFORD
DADE COLE MARIES DENT
HENRY COOPER POLK DOUGLAS
HOWARD DAVIESS PULASKI DUNKLIN
JACKSON DEKALB GREENE
JOHNSON FRANKLIN HOLT
LINCOLN GRUNDY HOWELL
MACON HARRISON IRON
MILLER HICKORY MADISON
MONTGOMERY JASPER MISSISSIPPI
MORGAN KNOX NEW MADRID
NEWTON LAFAYETTE NODAWAY
PETTIS LEWIS OREGON
PIKE LINN OZARK
RANDOLPH LIVINGSTON PEMISCOT
RAY MARION PERRY
ST. CHARLES MCDONALD PHELPS
ST. CLAIR MERCER REYNOLDS
ST. LOUIS MONITEAU RIPLEY
VERNON MONROE SCOTT
OSAGE SHANNON
PLATTE ST. FRANCOIS
PUTNAM STE. GENEVIEVE
RALLS STODDARD
SALINE STONE
SCHUYLER TANEY
SCOTLAND TEXAS
SHELBY WASHINGTON
SULLIVAN WAYNE
WARREN WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 022 , 012 , 016 , 017 , 001 , 019 , 024 , 023

Distribution by Watersheds

South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
North Fork from Headwaters to South Fork
South Fork from Headwaters to North Fork
Salt R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Chariton R. from Shuteye Creek to Mo. R.
Little Chariton R.
Marais Des Cygnes from Headwaters to Little Osage R.
Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
Pomme De Terre R.
South Grand R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Kansas City to Little Chariton R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Lamine R.
Blackwater R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
Black R.
Lost Creek
Spring R.
Indian Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in listed units, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"Palustrine"
"Riverine"

References for Aquatic Associations: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Perennial Grass (Warm season)

References for Habitat Types: 010 , 001 , 004 , 005

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Wet Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 010 , 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
"May consume mostly filamentous green algae *03*."

References for larval food habits: 003

Juvenile Food Habits

Juvenile diet similar to adult's; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
"May consume mostly filamentous green algae *03*."

References Juvenile Food Habits 003

Adult Food Habits

Coleoptera (beetles); Larva stage
Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Chilopods (centipedes); Not Specified
Diplopods (millipedes); Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified
Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, mantids); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 012 , 001 , 004 , 006

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth: shallow
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Natural features: pools
Edge: grassland/water edge
Human association: farm ponds

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Natural features: pools
Edge: grassland/water edge
Human association: farm ponds

References for feeding larvae niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 008

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Water depth: shallow
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: backwaters
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: pools
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Edge: grassland/water edge
Human association: farm ponds

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Successional stage: climax grassland
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Successional stage: climax grassland
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Niche Requirement Summary

Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Edge: grassland/water edge
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Human association: farm ponds
Inland wetlands: backwaters
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Natural features: pools
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Successional stage: climax grassland
Water depth: shallow

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 In IL can lay 3192 to 6807 eggs per clutch *04*, in IL average approximately 5000 eggs per clutch *08*, in KS lay approximately 7000 eggs per clutch *05,06*
099 In KS larvae transform during summer *06*. In MO may transform June - early July *01*, in IL transform from late June to early July *08* in IL can emerge as early as 3rd week of February *04* in KS emerge daily only in the morning *05* in KS. Adults grow to 62-80 mm. In length *06*, in mo. 65-104 mm. In length *01* in IL, breeding season depends on the spring rains and temperatures. *08*
007 In KS breed March 11 to May 15 *05,06*. In MO breed from March - early May *01*, in IL may breed March - April *08*, in general breed February - June *07*
017 In MO eggs hatch in a few days *01* in IL eggs hatch in several days *08*

Life History Information

Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging sites: ground
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Spawning site: standing water
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Parental care of young: no care

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
018 In IL can lay 3192 to 6807 eggs per clutch *04*, in IL average approximately 5000 eggs per clutch *08*, in KS lay approximately 7000 eggs per clutch *05,06*
099 In KS larvae transform during summer *06*. In MO may transform June - early July *01*, in IL transform from late June to early July *08* in IL can emerge as early as 3rd week of February *04* in KS emerge daily only in the morning *05* in KS. Adults grow to 62-80 mm. In length *06*, in mo. 65-104 mm. In length *01* in IL, breeding season depends on the spring rains and temperatures. *08*
007 In KS breed March 11 to May 15 *05,06*. In MO breed from March - early May *01*, in IL may breed March - April *08*, in general breed February - June *07*
017 In MO eggs hatch in a few days *01* in IL eggs hatch in several days *08*

References for life history: 001 , 004 , 005 , 006 , 007 , 008

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Grassland - develop/maintain fishless ponds
Water - develop/maintain spawning/nesting facilities
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - control sedimentation
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain streamside vegetation
Water - exclude livestock from water
Water - develop/maintain fishless ponds
Agricultural - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Agricultural - maintain riparian habitats
Agricultural - maintain streamside vegetation
Grassland - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Grassland - maintain natural vegetation (native)
Grassland - control erosion
Grassland - maintain riparian habitats
Grassland - control grazing of domestic livestock

Beneficial Management References: 018 , 001 , 003

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Grassland - application of pesticides
Grassland - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 001 , 003

Comments on Management:
Constructing ephemeral pools is beneficial. Should attempt to reestablish ephemeral pools where they once existed. Possible sites can be identified using aerial photos, topographic maps, and on-site inspections. Pools should be no more than 24" deep, 10-15' across and 30-60' long, with sloping sides and some type of structure (small trees and bushes) placed in the pool. during construction, move soil perpendicular to and away from the presumed direction of water flow, so excess water will flow away. Surrounding trees should not be removed. *18*

References for Management Comments: 018

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
002 Unpb Checklist Of Missouri Amphibians. Johnson, T.R. Mo Dept. Of Conserv. Po Box 180 Jefferson City, Mo. 65102
003 Unpb Johnson, T.R. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115.
004 Smith, H.M. and C.W. Nixon. 1948. A Partial Description Of The Tadpole Of Rana Areolata Circulosa And Notes On The Natural History Of The Race. Am. Midl. Nat. 39(3):608-614
005 Smith, H.M. 1950. Handbook Of Amphibians And Reptiles Of Kansas. Univ. Ks Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist. #2. 336 Pp.
006 Collins, J.T. 1974. Amphibians And Reptiles In Kansas. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Publ. Ed. Series No. 1. Lawrence, Ks. 283 Pp.
007 Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Of Eastern And Central North America, 2nd Ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston 429pp
008 Smith, P.W. 1961. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Illinois. IL Nat. Hist. Surv. Bull. 28. 298 Pp.
009 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
010 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
011 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
012 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
013 Missouri Herpetological Association. 1989. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. No. 2.
014 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
015 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
016 Powell, R., T.R. Johnson and D.D. Smith. 1992. New Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1992. Missouri Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 5:6-13
017 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
018 Doolan, R. and T.R. Johnson. 1995. Ephemeral Pools: Their Value And Construction. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 6 Pp.
019 Smith, G.R. and L.D. Johnson. 1999. New Missouri Amphibian And Reptile Distribution Records From A Catalogued College Teaching Collection. Herp. Review 30(1):58-59.
020 The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44pp.
021 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
022 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2003. New and previously unreported herpetological records from Missouri for 2003. Missouri Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 16: 11-15.
023 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2013. New herpetological distribution records for Missouri in 2013. MO Herpetological Association Newsletter 26:11-15.
024 Daniel, Richard E., Brian S. Edmond and Jeffrey T. Briggler. 2020. New and previously unreported herpetological distribution records for Missouri in 2020. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 33:3-11.