American Bullfrog

Common Name:

American bullfrogs

Scientific Name:

Lithobates catesbeianus

Type:

Amphibians

Diet:

Carnivore

Group Name:

Army, colony

Average Life Span In The Wild:

7 to 9 years

Size:

3.5 to 6 inches (adult female)

Weight:

1.1 pounds

The male bullfrog's call is deep and loud. Jug-o-rum, jug-o-rum, it calls. Some people think it sounds like a cow mooing, which is why the frog has "bull" in its name. Walking through a marsh or near a pond, you might hear a whole chorus of these calls as male bullfrogs let other bullfrogs know where their territory is.

Bullfrogs eat all kinds of insects, mice, snakes, fish, and other small creatures. They hunt at night, waiting patiently until they see something pass by that they figure would make a good meal. Then, with a powerful leap, they lunge at their prey with their mouths wide open. Gulp! Down the gullet the unlucky (but tasty!) critter goes.

Bullfrogs like warm weather. When it turns cold, they dig down into mud to hibernate.