Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)

April 11th, 2013. I was on my way to check plants in the greenhouse. We have several water containers near the door to the greenhouse that serve as breeding pools for the Southeastern Chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum). On this day, however, a Green Frog (Lithobates – formerly Rana – clamitans) was sitting on the surface enjoying the warmth. We know that Green frogs live in these containers but don’t often get the chance to see them. I was lucky enough to manage to get my camera and back to photograph this frog.

Two subspecies – the Bronze frog (Lithobates clamitans clamitans) and the Northern Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans melanota) – are recognized. The back of the Northern Green Frog is covered with brown or gray blotches whereas the back of the Bronze Frog has no blotches. Based on the fact that there are dark blotches on its back, this frog is a Northern Green Frog.

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Identification Resources: University of Georgia Museum of Natural History: Green Frog/BronzeFrog (Rana clamitans)