American Bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeiana
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Ranidae |
| Genus | Lithobates |
| Species | L. catesbeiana |
| Lifespan | Average of 7 to 9 years; maximum of 16 years |
| Size | 3.5 to 6 inches long |
| Offspring | Simultaneously, females lay egg clutches of up to 20,000 eggs while males release sperm to externally fertilize the eggs. Egg clutches form a thin, floating sheet in water. |
| Status | Widespread and secure |
About the American Bullfrog
What do American bullfrogs look like?
American bullfrogs are the largest North American frog, reaching a maximum of 6 inches in length. Their coloration ranges from green to brown with bluish or yellowish hues and a white-gray belly. Bullfrogs and green frogs look somewhat similar. Adult bullfrogs are larger and can be distinguished by looking closely at the tympanum/ear (circular discs behind the eye). Green frogs have a dorsolateral ridge extending three-quarters the length of the back. Bullfrogs dorsolateral ridge only extends around the tympanum.
Where do American bullfrogs live?
The American bullfrog has a natural range consisting of most of the eastern United States. However, it has been introduced to habitats throughout most of North American and parts of Brazil and China. Bullfrogs live in permanent bodies of water, including swamps, ponds, and lakes. They typically dwell along the water's edge and require emergent vegetation for protection from predators.
What do American bullfrogs eat?
Bullfrogs are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat any small animal they can swallow. This often includes invertebrates, crayfish, amphibians, small reptiles, fish, snails, and more. Bullfrogs ambush their prey and swallow their prey whole.
Fun Facts!
- Male American bullfrogs begin to seek out mating females in May and June. They aggregate in choruses and sound deep, base notes that resemble the phrase jug-o-rum to attract females. Other territorial and encounter calls are sometimes heard from bullfrogs, too.
- American bullfrogs metamorphose at different rates depending on where they are located. In the south, metamorphosis can take only a few months, whereas in the north, it can take up to three years for tadpoles to grow into frogs.
- American bullfrogs can jump distances ten times the length of their bodies! This advantage helps bullfrogs avoid predators and capture prey.
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles and Amphibians
Fish
