ExploreAmphibians

Rana catesbeiana

The American Bullfrog is a big, green frog that loves to hop around and make loud croaking sounds. They are often found near ponds and lakes, where they enjoy swimming and catching insects.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Rana catesbeiana is a large, robust amphibian, typically olive green to brown with darker blotches. It has a distinctive large external eardrum (tympanum) behind each eye, especially prominent in males, and lacks dorsal folds, distinguishing it from many other frogs. Its belly is usually white or cream.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyRanidaeGenusLithobates

Rana catesbeiana

Interesting facts

A bullfrog's tongue is super sticky and can flick out incredibly fast!

Bullfrog tadpoles can grow as big as an adult frog before changing!

Some bullfrogs hibernate deep underwater, breathing through their skin!

Their huge eyes pop inward when they swallow, helping push food down!

Special abilities

Rana catesbeiana can leap far to escape danger or ambush prey, using powerful back legs to propel itself.

Rana catesbeiana has an enormous mouth that lets it swallow almost any animal it can catch whole.

Rana catesbeiana can make a deep, loud 'jug-o-rum' call that travels long distances to attract mates.

Rana catesbeiana has large eardrums that help it hear sounds both above and below the water.

Measurements & details

Length: 9-20 cm
Weight: 0.1-0.75 kg
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Top Speed: 15 km/h
Clutch Size: 2000-25000
Metamorphosis: 90-730 days

Diet & Feeding

A large, opportunistic predator that eats almost any animal it can fit in its big mouth.

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adults are strict carnivores.

Primary Foods

insects
fish
other frogs
small snakes
mice
crayfish

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Herons hunt adult and juvenile bullfrogs.

eaten by

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Bass prey on bullfrog tadpoles and froglets.

hunts

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Bullfrogs can eat smaller garter snakes.

eaten by

Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Snapping turtles are predators of adult bullfrogs.

Traits

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Piscivorous

Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.

Longevous

This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

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.