# 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. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Common Bullfrog ![Rana catesbeiana](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/North-American-bullfrog1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Carl D. Howe, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:North-American-bullfrog1.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ranidae - **Genus:** Lithobates ## 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 - **Mighty Jumper:** Rana catesbeiana can leap far to escape danger or ambush prey, using powerful back legs to propel itself. - **Vacuum Mouth:** Rana catesbeiana has an enormous mouth that lets it swallow almost any animal it can catch whole. - **Booming Voice:** Rana catesbeiana can make a deep, loud 'jug-o-rum' call that travels long distances to attract mates. - **Underwater Hearing:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-blue-heron) (*Ardea herodias*) — Herons hunt adult and juvenile bullfrogs. - **Eaten by:** [Largemouth Bass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/snapping-turtle) (*Chelydra serpentina*) — Snapping turtles are predators of adult bullfrogs. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [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. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch frogs unless you have permission, as some can be slippery and may not like being held. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rana catesbeiana? 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 Rana catesbeiana? 9-20 cm ### How much does Rana catesbeiana weigh? 0.1-0.75 kg ### How long does Rana catesbeiana live? 7-10 years ### How fast can Rana catesbeiana move? 15 km/h ### What does Rana catesbeiana eat? A large, opportunistic predator that eats almost any animal it can fit in its big mouth. ### Where is Rana catesbeiana usually found? Wetlands ### How does Rana catesbeiana 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: [Rana catesbeiana: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rana-catesbeiana)