American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
Either brown, green, or olive in color; commonly exhibit dark blotches. Possess large eardrums that have a skin fold covering top and bottom edges. Belly usually white an…
How to identify
Either brown, green, or olive in color; commonly exhibit dark blotches. Possess large eardrums that have a skin fold covering top and bottom edges. Belly usually white and spotted with gray. Males can be identified as smaller than females and exhibit a yellow throat and an internal vocal sac that can inflate into a flat pouch below chin. Males and females breed when water temperatures are warm which can range any time from March to July depending on local weather. Young are green and usually have dispersed black dots on backs. Each female has one or two clutches a year; clutches contain thousands of eggs and are jelly-like in texture.
Range
Canada in southern Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia; America as far west as Wyoming and throughout central and eastern regions; Mexico in northeastern region. Separate population exists in Greater Antilles, Hawaii.
Habitat
Most commonly found in sites that contain various vegetation, either floating or submerged. This includes swamps, ponds, lakes, and marshes. During especially wet weather, can leave permanent water area and migrate to temporary water sites. Males and females breed in permanent and still water areas. Diet includes worms, insects, tadpoles, and crustaceans. Are known to feed on other bullfrogs as well.
Variations
They are becoming more and more common in polluted water areas; frogs are drawn to both the higher water temperature and the increasing amount of vegetation that pollution creates. Predators do not go to these areas, so they are safe places for American bullfrogs to reproduce and hatch eggs.
Similar species
Green Treefrog - Hyla cinerea Pine Woods Treefrog - Hyla femoralis Barking Treefrog - Hyla gratiosa
Name and etymology
Catesbeianus: Honoring Mark Catesby.
At a glance
Size
460 mm
Range
Canada in southern Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia; America as far west as Wyoming and throughout central and eastern…
Habitat
Most commonly found in sites that contain various vegetation, either floating or submerged. This includes swamps, ponds, lake…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap