Photo: Cephas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The American bullfrog is the largest true frog native to North America, named for its deep, resonant call that resembles a bull's bellow. Highly adaptable and voracious, it will eat almost any animal small enough to fit in its mouth, from insects to other frogs, and has become one of the world's most widely introduced invasive amphibians outside its native range.
Appearance
It has a large, robust body with smooth olive-green to brown skin, prominent bulging eyes, and powerful hind legs built for both swimming and long leaps. A large circular eardrum, called a tympanum, is visible just behind each eye and is typically larger than the eye itself in males.
Habitat & Distribution
The american bullfrog is found in wetlands habitats.
Diet & Behavior
Diet: Carnivore — Meat-eating animals that hunt, scavenge, or fish for prey, ranging from big cats to snakes and birds of prey.
American bullfrogs are ambush predators, sitting motionless at the water's edge before lunging to snatch prey with a sticky, rapidly extending tongue. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending a patch of shoreline with loud, low-pitched calls that can carry for long distances across water.
Predators
- Herons
- Snakes
- Raccoons
- Large fish
Prey
- Insects
- Small fish
- Other frogs
- Small birds
Interesting Facts
- 1
The American bullfrog's call has been compared to a bull's bellow, which is how it got its name.
- 2
It's one of the few frogs known to eat other frogs, including smaller members of its own species.
- 3
Bullfrogs have been introduced to every continent except Antarctica, and are considered a damaging invasive species in many regions outside their native range.
- 4
A bullfrog's powerful hind legs let it leap several times its own body length in a single jump.
- 5
Tadpoles can take up to two years to fully develop into adult frogs, much longer than most other frog species.
Gallery
American Bullfrog FAQs
Why are bullfrogs considered invasive?
American bullfrogs have been introduced far outside their native North American range, and their large size, broad diet, and toxic skin secretions let them outcompete and even prey on native frog species, disrupting local ecosystems.
What sound does an American bullfrog make?
Male bullfrogs produce a deep, low-pitched call often described as sounding like 'jug-o-rum,' used to attract mates and defend territory.
What do bullfrogs eat?
Bullfrogs are opportunistic carnivores that eat almost anything they can catch and fit in their mouths, including insects, small fish, other frogs, and even small birds or mammals.
How long do bullfrog tadpoles take to become frogs?
Bullfrog tadpoles can take up to two years to fully metamorphose into adults, much longer than most other frog species, which often complete the process in a few months.
What does a american bullfrog eat?
The american bullfrog is a carnivore. Its diet includes insects, small fish, other frogs, small birds.
Where does the american bullfrog live?
The american bullfrog is found in wetlands habitats across north america.
Is the american bullfrog endangered?
The american bullfrog has a conservation status of Least Concern. Widespread and abundant species that are not currently at significant risk of extinction.
How long do american bullfrogs live?
A american bullfrog's typical lifespan is 8–10 years in the wild.
How much does a american bullfrog weigh?
An adult american bullfrog typically weighs 0.15–0.8 kg.