Wood Frog
Wood Frog
eNature.com
Family: Ranidae, True Frogs
Description 1 3/8-3 1/4" (3.5-8.3 cm). Pink, tan, or dark brown, with prominent dark mask ending abruptly behind eardrum. Light stripe on upper jaw; sometimes light line down middle of back. Dorsolateral ridges prominent. Dark blotch on chest near base of each front leg. Belly white, may have dark mottling. Toes not fully webbed; male has swollen thumbs.
Voice A series of short raspy quacks.
Breeding Early spring, before ice has completely melted from water. Egg masses are attached to submerged vegetation
Habitat Moist woodlands in eastern areas; open grasslands in western; tundra in the far north.
Range Widespread throughout northern North America.
Discussion The only North American frog found north of the Arctic Circle. Primarily diurnal. In the colder parts of its range, the Wood Frog is an explosive breeder. Swarms of pairs lay fertilized eggs within 1 or 2 days, then disappear into the surrounding country. It may venture far from water during summer, and hibernates in forest debris during winter.
Votes:21
Comments: 0