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Green Frog

Scientific Name: Lithobates clamitans
Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length
Status: Abundant

Habitat:
Small ponds, marshes, swamps, the border of lakes , small streams and large rivers.

Descripton:
Large species. The background color varies from bright green to dark green or greenish brown. The dorsum is usually immaculate or may have small dark maculations. The sides of the head are bright green. The underside is cream to white and is immaculate or may have reticulated dark lines. Green frogs are often confused with Bullfrogs. The best way to tell them apart is their glandular folds. On green frogs this fold starts at the eye and stays straight and goes down the back. On the bullfrog the folds wrap around the tympanum.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal background color varies from bright green to dark green or greenish brown. The dorsum is usually immaculate or may have small dark maculations.
  • The sides of the head are bright green
  • The ventral is cream to white and is immaculate or may have reticulated dark lines.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Large species.
  • The body is robust.
  • The head is short and broad with a rounded snout.
  • The eyes are large and located high on top of the head.
  • Dorsolateral folds are present on the body.
  • The fore legs are short and heavy.
  • The hind legs are long and muscular with long, webbed toes.
  • The dorsal skin is slightly rough and granular
  • The ventral skin is smooth.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • Large-sized. Average 9-10 cm
  • The dorsal and head color is dark with black maculations.
  • The ventral is yellowish.
  • The eyes are positioned high on the head.
  • The tail and tail crest has multiple black blotches.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • Bullfrog
Adult Gallery:
greenfrog1_bob
greenfrog1_jeff
greenfrog1_wayne
greenfrog2_bob
greenfrog2_jason
greenfrog2_jeff
greenfrog2_wayne
greenfrog3_jeff
greenfrog3_wayne
greenfrog4_jeff
greenfrog4_wayne
greenfrog_jason

Larvae Gallery:
Green Frog - By: Kyle Loucks

Listen to Calls:

References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 164-167pp.
Credits:
  • Wayne Fidler
  • Jeff Hankey
  • Bob Hamilton
  • Jaon Poston
  • Kyle Loucks

Heads up!

Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

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  • About
    Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you.
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  • Recommended Books

    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

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