The southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala) haunts marshes and riverbanks throughout the southeastern quadrant of the United States. At night it forages actively for insect prey, spending the days resting on shore near the water. When frightened by a potential predator, such as this tricolored heron (Hydranassa tricolor), it leaps into the water, executing a sharp turn or two under the water, thus ending up some distance from where its foe would expect it. This piece was painted for the 2000 Florida Wildlife Art Expo poster image.