Green (Bronze) frog
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| Green Frog | ||||||||||||||
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| Rana clamitans (Latreille, 1801) |
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 Green Frog range
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- "Green frog" may also refer to the Edible Frog (Rana kl. esculenta) or the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)
The Green Frog (Rana clamitans,[1][2][3]) is a species of frog native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada.
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[edit] Description
The Green Frog ranges from 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in size, with the male having a large prominent tympanum and a yellow throat in contrast to the female's white throat and smaller eardrum. Dorsolateral ridges are prominent in contrast to the Bullfrog whose dorsolateral ridges are absent. Contrary to its name, it can be found in various colors (bronze, brown, and light green) depending on its habitat region. Some rare individuals are blue.
[edit] Behavior
The Green Frog lives in and near shallow water - springs, brooks, swamps, ponds and lakes which have a considerable amount of vegetation. They seem to tolerate ponds of urban areas. This frog is primarily nocturnal and is not as wary as many other species of frog. Fleet of foot and difficult to spot, this frog is often noted only indirectly as it flees into the water. Adult males are mostly easily approached during the breeding season when defending their territories. They rarely scream in alarm when captured. Green frogs are strongly aquatic, both as adults and in tadpole stage. Males defend their territories and may have a wrestling matches with other males that invade their territory.Green frogs are active during day and night. They become dormant during cold weather. Green frogs are mainly solitary, except during breeding season, when they congregate at breeding ponds.
[edit] Reproduction
Green frogs breed in semi-permanent or permanent freshwater habitats of various size and vegetation structure. The call is often compared to the twang of a banjo string, usually given as a single note, but sometimes repeated rapidly several times to designate its territory. Its breeding season is from March to August. Breeding takes place in late spring; variations in temperature and region can influence actual breeding times.
Once a female has chosen a male, amplexus will begin. During amplexus, 1000 to 7000 eggs may be laid. Eggs are laid in 3-4 small clutches that are attached to submerged vegetation. Green frog tadpoles are olive green and iridescent creamy-white below. Metamorphosis can occur within the same breeding season or some tadpoles overwinter for one year depending on when eggs were laid. After larvae stage, males are sexually active 1 year after metamorphosis and females may mature in either 2 or 3 years depending on their size.
[edit] Diet
Green frogs will consume anything that can fit in its mouth, such as: crickets, flies, fish, crayfish, shrimp, grasshoppers, smaller frogs, tadpoles, small snakes, birds, mollusks, moths, and their own cast skin. Tadpoles consume algae and water plants.
[edit] Lifespan
Frogs in captivity live to be 10 years old. The average lifespan in the wild is unknown.
[edit] As Pets
Green frogs are very hardy and make great pets for beginners, with the proper care and setup, green frogs one of the most stunning and interesting display animals. They are mostly difficult to find in pet stores due to state law issues.
[edit] Habitat
An aquarium is sufficient for this frog, a 20 gallon can house one adult frog. Substrate can be either gravel, sand, or no substrate at all. Water should be at least 4 inches deep, and some vegetation. This frog prefers warm water of 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and air temp of 80 °F (27 °C). Change at least half the water twice weekly. Thoroughly clean the tank at least once a week: set the frog aside a secure habitat; scrub the tank and furnishing with a 3% bleach solution; removing all the smell of the bleach; dry the tank and furnishing; and add clean substrate Grooming and Hygiene. It also require humidity, and a small amount of moisture(Spraying the tank often can accomplish especially of its warm like a greenhouse). No special lighting is required. You can use a UVA/UVB fluorescent light which may be beneficial. Just make sure the frog can't jump onto the lamp. Avoid making the enclosure too bright however as the frogs may just hide if the tank is brightly lit. A light cycle of about 10 hours light to 14 hours dark is recommended by some keepers.
[edit] Feeding
A meal of 3–4 crickets daily is a good starting point, although some experts recommend feeding mature frogs only every other day. Variety seems to be the key with frogs-crickets can make up the bulk of the diet but should be supplemented be a variety of other insects and worms. Prey items should be gut loaded (feed nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, dog food, fish flakes, etc.) before being given to the frog. Once weekly dust the crickets with a complete reptile vitamin mix.
[edit] Handling
Don't handle unless necesscary, wear latex gloves. Do not allow the frog's skin to contact with eyes, mouth, or open wounds. Wash your hands after handling the habitat contents to help prevent salmonella and other infectious diseases. Their skin needs to stay moist in order for the frog to stay healthy
[edit] Conservation Status
The current consensus among biologists is that Green frogs do not seem to have as much of an impact on a native frog species as Bullfrogs do. Green frogs are smaller and less aggressive than bullfrogs. However, Green frogs do compete with native frogs for food and habitat, and there is a risk that this extra pressure may be final straw for some native populations. Some of the frog's population could be down because the loss of natural shoreline vegetation. Green frogs are protected by the law in some states.
[edit] Body Structure
The Green Frog has long, powerful hind legs, which make it an excellent leaper. Due to their excellent legs the Green Frog is also the fastest amphibian. The skin is very smooth and moist. It absorbs oxygen through the skin, processes it in lungs, and releases carbon dioxide. The Green Frog has a 3-chambered heart, like all amphibians. The mouth has teeth with a tongue attached at the front. The Green Frog's large eyes give it excellent vision. The placement of the eyes allows it to see predators without exposing the rest of its body.
[edit] Subspecies
There are two recognized subspecies of Rana clamitans:
- Bronze Frog, Rana clamitans clamitans (Latreille, 1801)
- Northern Green Frog, Rana clamitans melanota (Rafinesque, 1820)
[edit] Gallery
 From the side |
 The backside of the Green Frog showing its Dorsolateral ridges. |
 Female Green Frog |
 Green Frog covered in mosquitos |
 US Green Frog Range Map |
[edit] External links
- ARMI: Green Frog Includes links to sound files of Green Frog calls.
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Hillis, D. M. 2007. Constraints in naming parts of the Tree of Life. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 42:331-338.
- ^ Hillis, D. M., and T. P. Wilcox. 2005. Phylogeny of the New World True Frigs (Rana). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 34:299-314.
- ^ Rana clamitans (TSN 173439). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 18 June 2006.
[edit] References
- Hammerson (2004). Rana clamitans. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern.
- Hillis, D.M. & Wilcox, T.P. (2005): Phylogeny of the New World true frogs (Rana). Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 34(2): 299–314. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2004.10.007 PDF fulltext. Erratum in Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 41(3): 735. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2004.10.024
- Hillis, D. M. (2007) Constraints in naming parts of the Tree of Life. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 42: 331–338.
