A medium-sized, widely distributed amphibian native to North America, characterized by distinctive leopard-like dark spots on a green or brown background.
Freshwater ecosystems including wetlands, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams across temperate regions of Canada and the United States, with preference for areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and shoreline cover.
Critical indicator species for ecosystem health, serving as both predator and prey in aquatic and terrestrial food webs, contributing to insect population control and serving as food source for larger predators.
