American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

General: Largest frog in North America, introduced species.

Identification: Green or olive-brown on the dorsal surface, often with small black specks or mottled patches. Belly white, often with mottled grey or light yellow. Large, conspicuous ear membranes behind the eyes. Males maybe 80 to 180mm in length, females can exceed 200mm. Tadpoles are green with light and dark specks on the dorsal surface, yellowish on the ventral surface. May reach 135mm in length before transforming.

Habits: Entirely aquatic, preferring heavily vegetated permanent ponds and lakes although may also be found smaller, muddy ponds and ditches.

Feeding: Juveniles mainly feed on insects, adults on almost anything including young birds, mice, fish, and smaller bullfrogs.

Breeding: Breeding seasons begins late spring and extends through most of to summer. Males are highly territorial. Eggs are laid in large, floating, masses. The tadpoles take at least two years transforming, with the juveniles maturing in three to four years.

References: Green, David M. and Campbell, R. Wayne. 1992. The Amphibians of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum. Victoria, B.C.© 2009 Veins of Life Watershed Society / All Rights Reserved / if you wish to use any info for commercial or non commercial usage you must obtain permissions from The Veins of Life Watershed Society