Scientific Name: Lithobates catesbeianus
Size: 3.5-8 inches (5.7-11.4) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
A variety of permanent aquatic habitats ranging from small ponds to the margins of large lakes, streams, rivers, creeks and backwaters.

Colorations:

• The dorsal color is bright leaf green to olive, olive brown or brown. The dorsal pattern varies with each individual that may include mottling or marbles dark brown to black pigment on the back and sides of the body.
• The ventral is dirty white and may have black mottling.
• The legs may have indistinct dark bars.
• Recently metamorphosed or sub adults are greenish grey with small scattered black spots.

Characteristics:

• Large species.
• The body is robust.
• The head is large and broad with a rounded and blunt snout.
• The eyes are located high on top of the head.
• The tympanum is large and visible.
• The fore legs are strong.
• The hind legs are long and muscular with webbing on the toes.
• A short glandular fold starts at the eye and curves around the top of the tympanum and ends in front of the forelegs.
• The toe tips are pointed.
• The bullfrog lacks a dorsal fold.
• The dorsal skin is smooth to pebbled in texture and may occasionally have small warts.
• The ventral skin is smooth.

Tadpole coloration and characteristics:

• Large-sized. Average 10-14 cm
• The dorsal is dark and becomes lighter laterally.
• The ventral is yellowish.
• The eyes are positioned high on the head.
• The tail is lighter than the body.
• The tail crest is translucent with small black dots.

Confused with:

• Green Frog

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults



Tadpoles

Eggs

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 159-164pp.

Photo Credits:

• Wayne Fidler
• Jeff Hankey
• Bob Hamilton
• Jaon Poston