Green Frog
Rana clamitans
Summary: Common throughout the region, and especially in the more heavily wooded eastern counties. Permanent streams, marshes, and ponds are utilized.
Description: A medium-sized frog, 2.25 to 4.25 inches (5.7 to 10.8 cm). Usually dark olive green above, with brighter green on the upper jaws. The paired dorsolateral folds are distinct, and are useful for separating this species from the otherwise similar bullfrog. The underside is white, and the hind feet are webbed.
Distribution and Status: Green frogs are relatively common in most of the region, wherever suitable habitat is present. In the more heavily wooded parts of the region they are ubiquitous. In open agricultural lands (formerly prairie) to the southwest, populations may be widely scattered and limited to riparian corridors.
Habitat: Green frogs are semi-aquatic, and generally are restricted to the vicinity of permanent water. Almost any reliable water source may be utilized, including large rivers, small streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, sedge meadows, and swamps. Some bogs are utilized, as long as the water is not too acidic. In fens, green frogs are often the only amphibians present in the always-cool rivulets. Green frogs often co-exist with larger bullfrogs in complex natural wetlands with dense vegetation, but they are typically absent or rare along open shorelines with little cover.
Voice: A single explosive note, sometimes compared to the sound of a loose banjo string. A wide rubber band stretched over the open end of a glass can be plucked to create a crude imitation.
Phenology: Breeding may begin in mid-April and continue into June. Calling activity is heaviest at night, but often continues at lower levels during the day. Eggs are deposited as a floating surface mass. The tadpole overwinters, and leaves the water the following summer. Juveniles are frequently observed in late summer and fall.
| Another Chicago Region critter? . Or my Ecology home page? | ||
|
| Updated: October 9, 2007
Contact kenmierzwa@w-and-k.com |
|