The Southern Bullfrog 



was obtained some time later from Kissimmee, Florida. The 

 frog might be unknown now, if it had not been for the persistent 

 reports of its voice. The sounds produced are said to resemble 

 the grunting of a herd of pigs, thus differing entirely from the 

 familiar bass notes of the Common Bullfrog. 



The frog is really very different in appearance from the 

 Common Bullfrog, not resembling it in shape, porportions of 

 body, or colouring. The long, narrow, pointed head, with its 

 large eyes set close together, tell the story at once. But other 

 evidences lie in the ratio of the lengths of head and body (com- 

 pare Figs. 269 and 278), in the greater length of toes (except 

 the fourth) (compare Figs. 272 and 282), and in the finely pitted 

 texture of the skin. In addition to all these points, there is 

 that of colouration. Rana grylio, in its brilliant phases of colouring, 

 furnishes one of the most charming studies in blended shades 

 of yellow, green, and brown, all of these colours showing metallic 

 lustre. Especially beautiful is the colouring of the undersurfaces. 

 This species shows great power of changing colour. It may 

 be brilliant or dull, light or dark/ green or brown. There may 

 be green as vivid as that of the anterior head region on the breast, 

 at each side, about the arm insertion. 



The frog is shy and wary, and is seldom seen, except by 

 those who are looking for it. It lives in deep water, among 

 pond-lilies and other vegetation of the lake. It seldom leaps; 

 its strong instinct, when frightened, is to dive and hide. 



Rana grylio shows close relationship to Rana virgatipes 

 of New Jersey in shape and proportion, metallic colouring, tex- 

 ture of skin, large size of eyes and ears, in lacking the lateral 

 folds, and in aquatic habits. 



THE COMMON BULLFROG 

 Rana catesbiana Shaw 



IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS ' 



Colour: Green or greenish brown, of light or dark shade. 

 The back and sides may be plain in colour or may be spotted 

 with dark. (Figs. 276 and 277.) The spots, when present, 

 may be distinct or connected. Arms and legs spotted or barred 



227 



