Green Frog

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to eastern North America, specifically the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Inhabits a wide variety of permanent or semi-permanent freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, swamps, roadside ditches, and slow-moving streams, preferring densely vegetated shorelines.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Ranidae, genus *Lithobates* (often historically classified as *Rana clamitans*). Includes two main subspecies: the green frog (*L. c. melanota*) and the bronze frog (*L. c. clamitans*), which intergrade in overlapping geographic zones.

Behavior and Habits: Semi-aquatic, primarily diurnal, and highly active. Spends most of its time sitting along the water's edge, ready to leap into the water at the first sign of danger. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, emitting a distinctive single-note call resembling a plucked banjo string.

Morphology: Medium-sized frog, with adults typically measuring between 5 and 10 cm. Characterized by prominent dorsolateral ridges running down the sides of the back, which terminate before reaching the groin (distinguishing it from the American Bullfrog). Base color is olive green, brown, or bronze, with mature males sporting bright yellow throats.

Terrarium Setup: Requires a semi-aquatic terrarium (paludarium) of at least 80x40x40 cm for one or two specimens. Divide the enclosure into a land section (with damp substrate, moss, and hiding places) and a water section at least 10-15 cm deep with driftwood and floating plants. A low-flow water filter is highly recommended.

Lighting and Heating: Does not require high heat; maintain daytime temperatures between 20°C and 24°C (68-75°F), with a nighttime drop to 16-18°C (60-64°F). Temperatures above 28°C (82°F) are stressful. A low-output (2-5%) UVB lamp is beneficial for behavior and D3 synthesis.

Humidity and Hydration: Keep air humidity high, around 70-80%, through daily misting of the land section. Because of their highly permeable skin, the water in the aquatic section must be completely dechlorinated and free of heavy metals to prevent fatal toxicity.

Feeding and Supplementation: Voracious insectivorous generalist. Feeds on crickets, roaches, earthworms, mealworms, and flies. It is essential to dust prey with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements twice weekly for growing frogs and once weekly for adults.

Compatibility: Can coexist with conspecifics of similar size in a spacious enclosure. Avoid housing individuals of vastly different sizes, as larger frogs will readily prey upon smaller ones.

Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to bacterial skin infections such as "red leg syndrome" caused by fouled water or poor hygiene. Other risks include fungal infections (chytridiomycosis) and intestinal parasites. Regular water changes and substrate maintenance are critical.