Green Frog
Lithobates clamitans
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Sophia Marler in Glastonbury
Listen to call:
Description
Green frogs are one of the most abundant amphibian species. They grow three to four inches long, and appear green, brown, gray, bronze, or very rarely blue (due to axanthism) in color. Their stomach is white with some darker mottling, and they have dark patterns across their bodies. The upper lip is commonly bright green, and a prominent dorsolateral ridge runs from the eye down the body, and eardrums are easily visible directly behind each eye. During breeding season, males have yellow throats while females are
white. In males, the eardrums are two times larger than their eyes, and in females they are roughly the same size.
Habitat
This frog species can be found in or near virtually any body of water, either permanent or temporary. They commonly live in shallow freshwater ponds and swamps.
Behavior
Green frogs are diurnal, but may be active on warm nights. It was found that wild frogs can naturally switch their
sex. They eat any animal they can fit in their mouth, like insects, crayfish, and even smaller frogs. Because of their sit and wait method of hunting, it may impact their diverse range of prey. Tadpoles eat mainly detritus. This species commonly rests along shores, and will retreat to the water when encountered. If backed into a corner, they may vocalize when in distress. Their breeding season lasts from April to August. They breed in any body of water, but most often prefer permanent water. Males arrive first and defend their breeding territories. Females lay clutches of 1,000 to 7,000 eggs.
Range
Present
Green Frog
Photographed by Alyssa Jones
Often Confused with
American Bullfrog
Photographed by Mark Apgar
The American bullfrog is visually similar to the green frog. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the ridge that runs from the back of the frog's eye. In bullfrogs, this ridge wraps around the eardrum and then stops, whereas in green frogs, this ridge runs from the eye all the way down the back. Bullfrogs are generally larger.