Green Frog

Rana clamitans

Green Frogs breed in the spring. Males arrive at the breeding ponds first and begin calling when they find a location where a female can lay eggs. Biologists once thought that the calling of frogs was just a way for males to invite females to come and mate, until it was noticed that males have larger eardrums than females (the eardrum is the large disc behind the frog's eye). This led to the realization that the calling of male frogs is also a way for males to say "stay out of my territory".

Look For : A green to brownish frog often mistaken for larger Bullfrog. This species has a ridge running down each side of its back. Call is usually a single note and sounds like the plunk of a loose banjo string.

Length : 2-3 1/2".

Habitat : Shallow fresh water, including brooks, springs, and ponds.

Range : Southeastern Canada and eastern U.S.