Green frog

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Green frog" may also refer to the Edible Frog (Rana esculenta) or the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)

The Green Frog (Rana clamitans) is a species of frog native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

[edit] Description

The Green Frog ranges from 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in size, with the male having a large prominent tympanum and a yellow throat in contrast to the female's white throat and smaller eardrum. Dorsolateral ridges are prominent in contrast to the Bullfrog whose dorsolateral ridges are absent. Contrary to its name, it can be found in various colors (bronze, brown, and light green) depending on its habitat region.

[edit] Behavior

The Green Frog lives near shallow water, springs, brooks, swamps, and edges of ponds and lakes that have a considerable amount of vegetation. This frog is primarily nocturnal and is not as wary as many other species of frog. They rarely scream in alarm when captured. The call is often compared to the twang of a banjo string, usually given as a single note, but sometimes repeated rapidly several times to designate its territory. Its breeding season is from March to August. Eggs are typically laid in 3-4 small clutches that are attached to submerged vegetation.

[edit] Body Structure

The Green Frog has very important body parts. The lungs are where oxygen flows into the blood and where carbon dioxide is released into the air. The skin is very smoot and moist. It absorbs some oxygen through the skin. Its hind legs are long and has powerful leg muscles to make the frog an excellent leaper. The Green Frog has a 3-chambered heart like all amphibians. The mouth has teeth and nostril openings and the frog's tongue is attached at the front of its mouth--it flips out to catch insects. The Green Frog's large eyes give it excellentvision and allow it to see predators while it floats in the water

[edit] Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of Rana clamitans:

• Bronze Frog, Rana clamitans clamitans (Latreille, 1801)
• Northern Green Frog, Rana clamitans melanota (Rafinesque, 1820)

[edit] Gallery

The backside of the green frog showing its Dorsolateral ridges

[edit] References

• Hammerson (2004). Rana clamitans. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
• Rana clamitans (TSN 173439). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 18 June 2006.