The Laid-Back Life of a Bullfrog
American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) are aquatic and prefer larger bodies of water than most other frogs. The one in today's photo is typical in that it was found at the water's edge in the midst of cloaking vegetation. This is a female because the tympanum (the eardrum just behind the left eye) is the same size as the left eye. In males, it is the larger than the eye.
The bullfrog is the largest frog in North America and can reach a length of eight inches. It is generally a sit and wait carnivore and will devour dragonflies, other frogs, baby turtles and snakes and even bats, moles and an occasional bird. The males are known for their loud "jug a rum" call.
The tadpoles of the bullfrog are also quite large and can grow 5 to 6 inches in length. They take two years to reach maturity and will spend their first winter hibernating.
In the summer, from the setting sun and throughout the night, male bullfrogs can be heard singing to potential mates at places like Moraine State Park in Butler County.
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