Natural History of the Bullfrog

Common Name: Bullfrog
Taxonomic Family Classification: Ranidae
Genus and Species: Lithobates catesbeianus

The animal's natural history I am going to discuss is for the good old Bullfrog. The bullfrog comes from the family Ranidae which is common to many other frog types.  Like other frogs, the bullfrog is both an aquatic and terrestrial frog.  They are usually found near swaps, lakes, ponds and other water sources which serve as suitable habitats for survival and reproduction.  One unique characteristic of the bullfrog is the distinctive roaring sound it makes when protecting its territory when it's time to breed. There are said to be three different types of bullfrog calls.  Geographically, the bullfrog is native to southern eastern parts of North America and Canada , but has more commonly been introduced to areas in Central and south America, Asia, and western Europe.  The dorsal surface of the bullfrog is typically a greenish color and may or may not have mottling and grayish banding.  The dorsal lateral folds end near the abnormally large tympani.  Another distinct characteristic is that they have webbing between all of the toes except the fourth toe.  Males are normally smaller than females  and typically grow up to about 3.6 to 6 inches.  When considering breeding of bullfrogs, the season lasts about two to three months when the temperatures are warmer around April, May, June, and July. Males compete with other males for a potential mate and they also tend to remain around the pond longer than most female frogs.  One last interesting fact about male bullfrogs is they aggregate into a chorus.  This is sort of like the formation of an opera where a large number of males combine their attraction calls together in order to attractive more potential female mates (Wiki).

Some more interesting characteristics and facts about bullfrogs is that it is the largest frog in North America.  One way to tell the bullfrog apart from other frogs is its' absence of dorsolateral ridges located down the back of most frogs.  The bullfrogs tend to live alone in solitude and can lay up to a whooping 20,000 eggs at one time.  These eggs are secured to plants under the water until they are ready to hatch.  Bullfrogs are extensive eaters and have no particular preference when it comes to dinner.  They have been known to even eat snakes, baby birds, and other mammals.  These amphibians are most active during the night when temperatures are cooler and bugs are more active.

My personal experience with bullfrogs was quite an interesting one.  My friend Sam lives down the road from me and has a pond which is quite a suitable habit for bullfrogs to thrive in.  Well, one summer night we decided to go out gigging with a  spot light and capture us some of them good ole bullfrogs.  After we captured them all we cooked us up some frog legs the next day. They were really tasty too if I might add!

            





















 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullfrog
 http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/bullfrog.htm