J.D. Wilson
Skin plain green to yellow or gray or with random or netlike darker mottling. Large tympanum. Cream to white or yellowish, often with gray mottling on belly. Patterning tends to be heavier or darker in southeastern part of range. No dorsolateral ridges on trunk of body but may have ridges near eardrum. Hind feet fully webbed except for last joint of longest toe. Size9 to 20.3 cm long (3 ½" to 8") (largest frog in North America) Similar SpeciesThe Green Frog, Lithobates clamitans, and the Bronze Frog, Lithobates clamitans clamitans, are differentiated by the presence of their dorsolateral ridges. The River Frog, Lithobates heckscheri, has light spots along its jaw producing a scalloped effect on its lips. The Pig Frog, Lithobates grylio, has webbing to the tips of the toes on its hind feet, compared to the American Bullfrog which has less extensive webbing and the longest toe (4th toe) tip extends beyond the webbing. ReproductionBreeds February to October. HabitatCommonly found along the edges of lakes, ponds and slow moving streams with enough vegetation for easy cover. BehaviorNocturnal. VoiceCalls are a vibrant and sonorous series of low pitched notes described as sounding like "jug-o'-rum." Call may be heard up to a quarter mile away. Vocal sac is internal creating a flattened pouch under the chin when it is inflated. Return to Frogs and Toads |
Last updated: March 12, 2019