Bullfrog

Physical Features

The Bullfrog is the largest frog in North America. In addition to their large size, Bullfrogs are characterized by the presence of a big conspicuous tympanic membrane, which is the frog's eardrum and the absence of dorsolateral ridge. They also have short folds of skin that rise from the upper part of the eye, descending towards the tympanic membrane. In males, the tympanic membrane is larger than their eye whereas in females it is almost of the same size. Apart from the last joint of the largest toe, the hind feet are wholly webbed. It is rare to find any makings along the dorsal surface but occasionally dark mottling or spots may be present. The dorsal part of its body is usually green to greenish brown in color while the ventral surface appears light cream to yellow with occasional dark marbling. Fully-grown adults weigh an average of 1.1pounds and measure between 3.5 to 6 inches in length with their legs contributing an additional 7 to 10 inches.

Habitat

It lives in areas with large water masses such as swamps, lakes, ponds and permanent water bodies. Like most amphibians do, Bullfrogs shift their base to dry land during the rainy season. The American Bullfrog is native to much of North America and has been introduced to many countries in the world, such as South Korea, Western Europe, Brazil, Colombia and Australia.

Diet

Bullfrog larvae eat organic debris, algae, plant tissue, suspended matter and small aquatic invertebrates while the adults consume any animal that can be swallowed, even snakes, bids, fish, crawfish, and other frogs.

Meat

While occasionally kept as pets, the American Bullfrog provides a food source, especially in the Southern United States and in some areas of the Midwestern United States. In a few locations they are commercially cultured in ponds, but the traditional way of hunting them is to paddle or pole silently by canoe or flatboat in streams or swamps at night; when the frog call is heard, a light is shone on the frog to temporarily inhibit it while the hunter gets closer to it. When close enough, the frog is gigged and brought into the boat. In some states, breaking the skin while catching them is illegal and either grasping gigs or hand capture are used. The only parts eaten are the rear legs, which resemble small chicken drumsticks and, sometimes, the backs, which are usually fried for consumption. The meat of the Bullfrog is delicious, and has a delicate flavor somewhere between chicken and fish. The American Bullfrog is also used as a specimen for dissection in many schools across the world.

Behavior

Breeding begins in late spring or early summer between February through July. Bullfrog males defend and call from territories, attracting females into a territory to mate. The call is reminiscent of the roar of a bull, hence the frog's common name. During mating the male rides on top of the female, grasping her with his forelimbs behind her forelimbs. The female bullfrog deposits her eggs in the water and the male simultaneously releases sperm. Fertilization is external in Bullfrogs A female may produce up to 20,000 eggs in one clutch and the eggs hatch after 3–5 days. Tadpoles may reach lengths of 3 inches or more before metamorphosing and this process takes places anything from few months in the southern to 3 years in the northern parts of the geographic range. The maximum lifespan of the Bullfrog in the wild is estimated at 8–10 years, but in captivity they can live up to 16 years of age. Bullfrogs are nocturnal but their deep pitched “jug-o-rum” or “Br –wum” call is made both during the day and night. The calls are so loud that they can be heard up to ¼ mile way.

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