Vertebrate Zoology

Herpetology

Online Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of Connecticut

Green Frog
Rana clamitans

Amphibia: Frogs and Toads | Salamanders
Reptilia: Turtles | Snakes | Lizards
Division of Vertebrate Zoology | Herpetology

Description

A medium-sized frog reaching 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in length. The Green Frog, as its name implies, is often green, however, dorsal coloration can also be brown, black or even grayish. The upper lip is usually bright green, but not always. A dorsolateral ridge extends from the tympanum to pelvis. This characteristic readily distinguishes the Green Frog from a small bullfrog. Larvae resemble American Bullfrog larvae, but are usually smaller and have dark spots on the webbing to the tail.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in nearly any body of water; 3 to 4 clutches can be laid each season. Metamorphosis, however, often takes over one year in Connecticut.

Vocalization

Listen

Habitat

Found in or near permanent bodies of water. Ponds, rivers, streams and lakes all are used.

Food

Eats a wide variety of prey items, including insects, crayfish, earthworms, smaller frogs and possibly fish.

Range

Found throughout Connecticut.

Status

Common.

Comment

Often confused with the American Bullfrog, which lacks the complete dorsolateral ridge and has a yellow-green belly.

References

Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern/Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 450 pp.

Klemens, M.W. 1993. Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Adjacent Regions. Hartford, CT: State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin 112. 318 pp.

Credits

Text by Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell.
Photographs © Twan Leenders. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Animals featured in photographs on this page are from Connecticut.

Audio files from The Calls of Frogs and Toads [book and CD-ROM]
Published March 2004 by Stackpole Books; 1.800.732.3669.
© 1994 Lang Elliott/NatureSound Studio
http://www.naturesound.com/stackpole/frogs.html
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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