What water source requirement differentiates Wood Frog breeding from the Northern Leopard Frog (*Lithobates pipiens*)?

Wood Frogs breed in ephemeral/vernal pools while Leopard Frogs require more permanent water.

While both the wood frog and the Northern Leopard Frog (*Lithobates pipiens*) are known for early spring emergence and calling, their habitat specialization during the breeding phase differs critically. The wood frog is specialized for temporary woodland pools, or vernal pools, which dry up seasonally, necessitating a rapid breeding cycle. In contrast, the Northern Leopard Frog, although an early caller, requires more permanent water sources for the successful development of its tadpoles, as those pools are not subject to the same imminent drying threat. This difference means that the wood frog is better adapted to environments with high water table fluctuations, provided the water lasts just long enough for metamorphosis.