Bullfrog - Rana catesbeiana
Jug o-Rum Rum
Description & Identification:
Largest
frog in North America, may reach 8" (20cm). Dorsum is dark olive green
to almost black with indistinct markings; the hind legs are frequently
marked by conspicuous dark bands; the head may be the same color as the
back or it may be dark to bright green; underside is white with a
mottling of black; throat of males may be bright yellow and tympanum in
males is larger than the eye (equal or smaller in females); reduced
dorsolateral ridges that extend from the eye and around the tympanum
but not on the trunk; webbing of hind toes does not extend to tip of
longest toe. Skin is smooth.
Development:
Bullfrogs
breed when the water temperature exceeds 70 degrees F (21 degrees C),
generally from April through the summer months. The eggs are black
above, white below, and are laid in a jelly mass at or near the
surface. The tadpoles are large, up to 3" (76mm); greenish brown
flecked with black; upper tail fin is spotted with black, lower is not.
Tadpoles may not metamorphose until after their second year.
Habitat & Behaviors:
This
is an aquatic species preferring larger, permanent bodies of water such
as lakes, ponds, bogs, and sluggish streams, where they transform
through all stages of their life cycle. This large frog may feed on any
other animals small enough for it to swallow, including other frogs,
snakes, and baby ducks. Male bullfrogs are territorial and may
occassionally enter into mock battles if they find themselves face to
face, whereupon both stand up on their back legs and embrace until
falling over. When one is determined the victor, the loser moves on.
Similar Species:
Bronze
frogs have more pronounced dorsolateral ridges that end farther back on
the body, yet not reaching the groin. River frogs have white spots on
the jaw and lip areas, and a highly motted underside. Pig frogs have
webbing on hind toes that extends to tip of largest toe.
Voice Call:
A
deep, resonant, "jug-o-rum" or shortened "o-rum" which can be heard for
great distances; generally call from the bank from April through summer
and into September.
This frog has been observed at the following locations. Click on the map to view the data.
