Green Frog
Lithobates clamitans
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Ranidae |
| Genus | Lithobates |
| Species | L. clamitans |
| Lifespan | About four to five years |
| Size | 2 to 4 inches long |
| Offspring | Females lay egg clutches of up to 7,000 eggs in water attached to aquatic vegetation |
| Status | Widespread and secure |
About the Green Frog
What do green frogs look like?
Green frogs are about 2 to 4 inches long with greenish-brown coloration. They have large discs, called tympanums, behind each eye. From the tympanums extend prominent ridges (dorsolateral ridges) down the length of their backs. Bullfrogs lack dorsolateral ridges, making it easier to distinguish green frogs from bullfrogs. Female green frogs are typically larger than males, but males have larger tympanums and bright yellow throats. As tadpoles, green frogs are olive green with off-white bellies.
Where do green frogs live?
Green frogs are found in both permanent and semi-permanent freshwater habitats. This includes the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, vernal pools, and bogs. They are an ecotone species, meaning they inhabit the transition area between two biomes (in this case, the aquatic and terrestrial biomes merge to form ideal green frog habitat). Green frogs can be found across most of the eastern United States.
What do green frogs eat?
Green frogs eat pretty much any animal they can swallow! Insects, spiders, fish, crayfish, shrimp, other frogs, tadpoles, small snakes, and snails are among the numerous prey species of the green frog. As tadpoles, they will feed on algae and water plants.
Fun Facts!
- There are two recognized subspecies of the green frog: the bronze frog (Lithobates clamitans clamitans), and the northern green frog (Lithobates clamitans melanota). The northern green frog is the only native green frog subspecies found in New Hampshire.
- The green frogs' calls sound similar to a loose banjo string. They are usually heard as single, rhythmic notes. Green frogs will emit an alarm call when startled that sounds similar to a yelp.
- Unlike the wood frog, which has adapted for rapid development, the green frog and the bullfrog may take multiple years to metamorphose from a tadpole into a frog. This is why green frog females lay their eggs in permanent waters.
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Reptiles and Amphibians
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