| Description: A medium-sized
frog: 7.5 to 12.5 cm (3 - 5 in), with dorso-lateral ridges that are well-defined,
extending from the back of each eye down the back. The toes are extensively webbed
and the second toe is longer than the first. Coloration is generally dark green
but some individuals are more brown or yellow and all have small irregular black
spots and a white to yellow ventrum. Specimens from cypress swamps are often very
dark brown or almost black. Males often have a bright yellow throat and their
tympanum is much larger than their eye (whereas the tympanum of females are about
the same size as the eye) Range and Habitat: Rana [Lithobates]
clamitans can be found throughout our region in or near almost any inland
water source such as: ponds, marshes, and along slow moving streams and rivers.
Habits: Although generally found close to water, during heavy rains,
juveniles may move into wooded areas or meadows. During the winter, Rana [L.]
clamitans will bury themselves in the mud at the bottom of the pond or marsh
in order to keep from freezing. Call: The mating call of Rana
[L.] clamitans is a twang that is often likened to the sound of a plucked
banjo string. As many as 6 other calls are also used: aggressive calls and growls,
a release call, an alert call, an advertisement call, and a high-intensity advertisement
call. Males can be reliably identified by their advertisement call. Conservation
Status: Rana [L.] clamitans is both locally and nationally abundant
and is ranked as N5 in the U.S and S5 in Georgia. Account Author:
Alicia Hudson, University of Georgia - edited by J.D. Willson |