A common pond frog whose distinctive "plunk" call (like a loose banjo string) is unmistakable on summer evenings. Often confused with the larger bullfrog but distinguished by parallel ridges along the back.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Lithobates clamitans or Rana clamitans, commonly known as the green frog, is a species of frog native to eastern North America. The two subspecies are the bronze frog and the northern green frog.
Source: Wikipedia — Lithobates clamitans Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Olive-tan-green frog with bronze tones; pale belly.
Similar species. Bullfrog (much larger). Mink Frog. River Frog.
Voice. Banjo-like "gunk!" call.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, spiders, slugs, smaller frogs.
Behavior. Largely solitary. Males call in choruses near breeding ponds.
§ Range
Eastern North America from Canada to Florida
§ Habitat
Permanent ponds, lakes, slow streams, marshes
§ Threats
Wetland loss, chytrid fungus disease, pesticides, lawn-monoculture habitat loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the green frog is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Build a backyard pond. Skip lawn pesticides. Maintain native shrubs and grasses around water features.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Lithobates clamitans
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Lithobates clamitans
- IUCN Red List · taxon 58578
- iNaturalist · taxon 66313
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Lithobates clamitans
§ Sources cited
- AmphibiaWeb
- USGS ARMI
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List 2014
