The following time-series of photos, shot on 16 March 2016 during a photowalk along the Hike-Bike Trail at Huntley Meadows Park, shows a Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) eating a Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus).
Although the amphibian looks similar to Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris), I tentatively identified the species as Southern Leopard Frog based upon one of two field markers that were visible: distinct dorsolateral folds that extend the full length of the body (shown); a distinct white spot in the center of the tympanum (not shown). Sincere thanks to Alonso Abugattas — Natural Resources Manager, Arlington County Parks, Virginia — for verifying my identification.
As shown in the first photo, the snake had a fatal grip on the frog by the time I spotted the pair.
Notice the small green bubble, located on the frog’s dorsal posterior, that is visible in the second and third photos. I consulted the experts of the Virginia Herpetological Society for help in identifying the bubble.
The general consensus is the cloaca (a bag through which reproductive- and waste products leave the body) is inverted and protruded through the anus due to the internal pressure the snake is putting on the body cavity. If the frog were a female in reproductive condition, it could also be either eggs (unlikely due to color) or jelly being forced out, again due to pressure. Source Credit: John, Virginia Herpetological Society.
Just as I thought — the snake was actually squeezing the guts out of the frog!
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Common Ribbonsnake, Hike-Bike Trail, Huntley Meadows Park, Lithobates sphenocephalus, predator, prey, Southern Leopard Frog, Thamnophis sauritus sauritus, wetlands, wildlife photography
March 26, 2016 at 4:28 am |
Wow. Given the relative sizes of the frog and the snake’s head it is amazing to think the snake can swallow that frog. Great action shots, Walter, though a bit gruesome. Snakes have to eat too.
March 26, 2016 at 5:35 pm |
Incredibly cool photos. Definitely a case of right place at the right time.
March 26, 2016 at 7:23 pm |
Thanks for the kind words, Laura. I’m guessing the frog wouldn’t agree with your comment re: “right place at the right time!”
March 27, 2016 at 5:58 pm |
Yep, a safe assumption. Poor frog, but such is the nature of the food chain, someone has to be eaten for another to eat.