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Green frog,
Rana clamitans. |
Class: Amphibians
Order: Frogs, toads and true frogs
Family: True frogs
Species found in the Rideau River:
Bullfrog, green frog, pickerel frog, northern leopard frog, mink frog,
wood frog
Characteristics of the family:
This very large and diverse family is found almost everywhere in the world.
The only frogs from this family found in North America belong to the genus
Rana. Species of this genus are typical frogs
in appearance and development.
Interesting facts:
Certain large frogs, such as the bullfrog and the green frog, may eat
small mammals, birds, small frogs and snakes. The only limit is the size
of the prey.
| Description |
Despite its name,
the colouring of the green frog ranges from yellow through green
to almost black. Usually at least the head and shoulders are
black. Adult males have a bright yellow throat. The diameter
of the eardrum of adult males is greater than that of the eye.
The skin has distinct folds on either side of the back. |
| Size |
Maximum length:
10.2 cm. |
| Distribution |
Found in eastern
Canada from Prince Edward Island to the Ontario-Manitoba border,
it has also been introduced into British Columbia and Newfoundland. |
| Habitat |
Ditches, ponds,
river bays and lakes. |
| Food |
Insects and other
invertebrates. |
| Life cycle |
Mating takes place
from May to the beginning of July. The eggs are laid on the
surface of the water. Tadpoles usually overwinter and undergo
metamorphosis at the beginning of the following summer. |
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