American Bullfrog




The American Bullfrog (classified by scientists as Rana catesbeiana) is a large frog usually about 4 to 8 inches in length. It is actually the largest frog in North America. The American bullfrog is greenish-yellow in color with patches of dark gray along its back. Its hind feet are almost completely webbed and its belly is a creamy white.

The Bullfrog lives mainly in slow moving water or in marshy swamps. It likes warm, quiet areas with dense plants. During the winter it will create a muddy burrow and hibernate until the spring. This frog can be found throughout North America; it is one of the most common amphibians! The American Bullfrog eats insects, worms, other small frogs, snakes, and tadpoles. Generally the bullfrog will sit and wait for its prey to pass by, then leap with their legs and pull the food in with their long tongues.

Male bullfrogs will attract the females with a loud, low croak. Breeding usually takes place in the warm months--between April and August. Females lay up to 20,000 eggs in a filmy covering into the water. After about 4 days tadpoles will emerge. However, it will take up to 3 years for the tadpole to transform into an adult bullfrog.



Learn more about other Amphibians

Return to Animal Exploration's home page