SCIENTIFIC NAME
Lithobates clamitans
DESCRIPTION
Green frogs are relatively large frogs, 6 - 9 cm in length. They can be distinguished from the similar bullfrog by the ridges that run down each side of their back. To determine the sex of the green frog, look at its eardrum - if it is significantly larger than its eye it's a male, if it's the same size as its eye, it's a female. During the breeding season, you can also tell the males by their yellow throats.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Please note — these photos are unverified images submitted by members of the CWF Photo Club.)
RANGE
The Green frog can be found throughout Canada.
HABITAT
Tolerant of a wide range of habitats, green frogs can be found even in urban areas provided there is a permanent source of water. Their preference is for the weedy areas of warm ponds, lakes, and shallow marshes. Farm ponds are generally ideal habitat for green frogs as they tend to be deep enough to provide a year-round water supply that doesn't freeze to the bottom in winter.
DIET
Green frogs are primarily carnivores and eat a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates from both land and water, such as slugs, snails, crayfish, spiders, flies, caterpillars, butterflies, and moths.
BEHAVIOUR
Green frogs hide their eggs among wetland plants and pond debris. These eggs hatch into tadpoles and it takes two years to develop into adult frogs. In order for the tadpoles to survive to adulthood, the pond must provide an over-wintering area. Therefore, to provide adequate habitat for green frogs, at least one section of the pond must be below the frost line (generally greater than 2 metres in depth).
THREATS AND/OR WHAT YOU CAN DO
All frogs are very sensitive to chemical pollutants, so the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided in areas surrounding green frog habitat. A buffer of native vegetation around the pond will help to filter off some of the existing contaminants before they reach the water. A diversity of plants surrounding and in the pond provides ideal habitat for frogs. Submerged plants offer sites for egg-laying and cover for tadpoles. Adults and small frogs benefit from the cover of emergent plants around the edges of the pond. Ideally, plants should be native to the area. By providing the proper habitat for green frogs you will be benefiting our amphibian populations that have been under increasing pressure from habitat loss and pollution. In return, these creatures will do their part in controlling many of the pest insects that may invade your garden.
References
Ontario Nature
