Green Frog
Rana clamitans
The green frog (Lithobates clamitans) is a highly adaptable semi-aquatic amphibian native to eastern North America, recognized by its distinct banjo-like call.
Température de l’eau
15 - 24 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Environnement
Eau douce / Semi-aquatique
Humidité
70 - 90 %
Température diurne
22 °C
Température nocturne
16 - 18 °C
Température ambiante
22 °C
Température de brumation
4 - 8 °C
Enclos minimal
>= 45 L
Description de l'espèce
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.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
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.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsAmérique du Nord
Profil d'amphibien
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- This species is primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of small invertebrates like crickets, flies, and roaches in the wild. In captivity, a similar varied diet should be provided, dusted regularly with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Appropriately sized live food is essential to trigger their natural feeding response.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 10 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Semi-aquatic
- Depending on their morphology, they may live exclusively in trees, on the forest floor, or near bodies of water. A properly designed vivarium must provide the correct balance of humidity, temperature, and specific microhabitats. Ample vertical climbing space or deep substrate should be provided accordingly.
- Cycle d'activité
- Diurnal
- Most are strictly nocturnal, becoming active at dusk to hunt and vocalize under the cover of darkness. This pattern helps them avoid diurnal predators and prevents desiccation from the heat of the sun. During daylight hours, they remain motionless in hidden spots to conserve energy and retain moisture.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- They exhibit fascinating behaviors that vary depending on their exact habitat, often relying on camouflage to avoid predators. Many display remarkable agility and jumping prowess when startled or while hunting. Social interactions are generally limited to breeding seasons when males become highly territorial.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding typically occurs following heavy rainfall or during the wet season. Males attract females with distinctive vocalizations from specific calling sites near water. Depending on the exact species, eggs may be laid in water, on foliage overhanging water, or in specialized foam nests.
- Toxicité
- Harmless
- Green Frogs are completely devoid of venom and lack any significant toxic skin secretions. They depend heavily on their disruptive coloration and quick reflexes to escape predators like birds, snakes, and raccoons. Handling them is safe, but handlers should ensure their hands are clean and wet to avoid damaging the frog's sensitive, moisture-dependent skin layer.
- Stade de vie
- Neotenic
- They begin life as fully aquatic tadpoles, which graze on algae and detritus in the calm waters of their habitat. Metamorphosis can occur in a few months, or the tadpole may overwinter and transform the following spring, emerging as a terrestrial froglet. As adults, they possess smooth skin, prominent dorsolateral folds, and maintain a semi-aquatic lifestyle, returning continuously to freshwater bodies.
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- With caution
- They tolerate occasional handling but are skittish and prone to sudden, powerful leaps that can result in injury. If handled, hands must be clean and wet to protect their slime coat, but observation is preferable.
- Brumation
- Requise
- Native to North America, they brumate underwater during the winter, absorbing oxygen through their skin. In captivity, a chilling period is natural but not strictly required if they are not being bred.
- Mue
- Regular
- They regularly shed their skin, usually while submerged in water. They use their front legs to pull the loose, clear skin over their heads and consume it. Clean water is essential for healthy molting.
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