# Mink Frog (*Lithobates septentrionalis*) The Mink Frog is a small, greenish frog that loves to live near water. It has a soft, smooth skin and can be found hopping around in wetlands and ponds. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Mink Frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mink_Frog.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mike Ostrowski, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mink_Frog.jpg) ## Appearance The Mink Frog is typically olive to brown-green, often with irregular dark blotches or spots across its back and legs. Its underside is whitish, and males can have a yellow throat during breeding season, making it visually distinct from its spotted kin. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ranidae - **Genus:** Lithobates ## Interesting facts - Males of this species have eardrums that are much larger than their eyes, helping them hear rival calls! - Mink Frogs are named for the strong, musky odor they release when disturbed, which smells a bit like a mink! - Their unique call sounds like 'gick-gick-gick' or sometimes a 'chuck-chuck', similar to tapping two stones together! - Unlike many frogs, Mink Frogs prefer cooler water and are often found in northern lakes and slow rivers! ## Special abilities - **Stinky Shield:** Mink Frogs can release a smelly musk from their skin that smells like rotting onions, because it helps deter hungry predators. - **Aquatic Acrobat:** Mink Frogs have powerful hind legs and webbed feet that help them dive deep and swim quickly through watery homes. - **Spotty Stealth:** Mink Frogs have olive-green or brown skin with irregular dark spots, which helps them blend perfectly into their pond surroundings. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 4.5-7.6 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 500-4000 - **Metamorphosis:** 45-75 days ## Diet & Feeding This hungry frog loves to snack on insects and other small creatures found near water. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adult Mink Frogs are carnivores. - **Primary Foods:** flies, beetles, spiders, small crustaceans, snails - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Snakes often prey on small frogs near water. - **Eaten by:** [Great Blue Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-blue-heron) (*Ardea herodias*) — Herons stalk the shallows to catch unwary frogs. - **Eats:** Green Darner Dragonfly (*Anax junius*) — Adult frogs snatch flying dragonflies with their tongues. - **Eaten by:** [Northern Pike](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-pike) (*Esox lucius*) — Large fish will ambush tadpoles and smaller frogs. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch your step near water and don't touch frogs without asking an adult. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Mink Frog? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Mink Frog? 4.5-7.6 cm ### How much does Mink Frog weigh? 0.01-0.03 kg ### How long does Mink Frog live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Mink Frog move? 5 km/h ### What does Mink Frog eat? This hungry frog loves to snack on insects and other small creatures found near water. ### Where is Mink Frog usually found? Wetlands ### How does Mink Frog hunt? Ambush ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Mink Frog: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mink-frog)