[4] As a member of the genus Rana sensu lato, it is classified as a true frog, with typical smooth skin and a narrow waist.

[3][5] It is one of several species classified as leopard frogs, distinguished as unique through its mating call, genetic differences,[6] habitat, and morphological distinctions.

[3] The frogs' coloring ranges from mint-gray to light olive green, and brown spots distribute irregularly across their backs and legs.

Coloring has been observed to change between day and night as well as with the seasons, with many individuals taking nocturnal darker tones and diurnal lighter hues.

[3] L. kauffeldi tends to inhabit large wetland areas, such as marshes, wet meadows, or slow-flowing water.

The species lives in or around open, vegetated spaces as well, with such plants as cattails, reeds, or river shrubs.