Ranidae 



THE GREEN FROG 



Rana clamitans Latreille. 



IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS 



Colour: Extremely variable and changeable. Typically, 

 the colouring is brilliant metallic green on head and shoulders 

 and dusky olive (perhaps spotted) posteriorly. There may be 

 a yellowish band (widening anteriorly) along the lines of the jaw 

 from the shoulder forward. Throat of the male bright orange- 

 yellow; that of the female, white, spotted with dark. Sides of 

 the body often marked with large blotches of dark. (This is especi- 

 ally true of the female.) Legs spotted or barred with dark. 

 (See Plate XIII for colouration of the Green Frog.) 



Measurements: Size somewhat above medium, i.e. male, 

 3 to 3i inches, female 3 to 5 inches. Legs relatively short; the 

 length of the leg to the heel being much less than the combined 

 lengths of head and body. Tibia and femur about equal in 

 length. 



Structure: The skin may be rough. Head unusually thick 

 through. Head somewhat pointed. Ear of male much larger 

 than the eye; that of female no larger than eye, often smaller. 

 (Figs. 229 and 230.) Body stout. Lateral folds conspicuous; 

 a groove occupies the midline of the back. The web is broad; 

 it leaves the last two joints of the fourth toe free. (Fig. 231.) 



Range: Very common throughout eastern North America, 

 including Canada and Florida. 



As we walk along the path that skirts the meadow brook, 

 we are surprised by a scream, followed by another and still another. 

 Our curiosity demands that we investigate. The sound suggests 

 a frightened bird, though there is almost no shrubbery for the 

 concealment of a bird. We walk more slowly, and approach 

 the brook. There is nothing to be heard now, except the occa- 

 sional splashing of water as a startled tadpole rushes to safety 

 from the shallow water; or the whirring of wings as a dragon-fly 

 passes startlingly near to our faces. We walk on along the 



1 Called " Spring Frog " and " Pond Frog " in various parts of the country. 



