Identification
Amphibians that are found in ponds. They are blue and green which helps them blend in with the plants growing around the pond. You can often find them near the edges hidden in the plants.
Their bodies and head are flattened and broad.
Males have yellow throats and females have white throats.
They are the largest species of frog in the United States. Can grow to be up to 8 inches and weigh over 1 lb.
Have large, golden or bronze-colored bulging eyes that sit at the top of their skulls like other frogs.
Habitat
Typically inhabit large permanent bodies of fresh water and gather into groups called choruses. Can also be found in areas of slow-moving freshwater.
They can be found across much of the U.S. except the Rocky Mountains.
Behavior
Only male bullfrogs croak.
Are territorial and protect their territories by calls, displays, chases, jump attacks, and even wrestling.
They can absorb oxygen through their skin, so can continue to breathe while underwater.
Breeding usually occurs from May to July.
Offspring
Eggs are laid as a jelly-like mass floating on the surface of the water. Around 12,000-20,000 eggs can be laid in each mass. They usually hatch in 4-5 days. They can spend up to 2 winters as tadpoles and live 4- 8 years. The longer tadpole stage usually leads to a larger frog and a better survival rate.
Predators
Snapping turtles, foxes, herons, and raccoons.
Diet
Eat crayfish, water beetles, snails, dragonfly nymphs, small fish
Fun Facts
They can jump distances 10 times their body length, some can up as far as 6 feet. That would be like a human jumping more than half a basketball court.
Have teeth in the roof of their mouth and a muscular tongue capable of flipping prey into their mouth.
It is the state amphibian for Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa.
Some people keep them as pets.
A group of frogs is called an army.