Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Bullfrog
Other Common names: grenouille taureau (French), North American bullfrog, Ochsenfrosch (German), rana toro
Photo courtesy of: United States Geological Survey
This species is NOT present in New Zealand. If you see a Bullfrog report it to Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pests and Diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Description
The bullfrog Rana catesbeiana has been widely distributed via aquaculture and the aquarium trade. It is one of the most frequently cultivated edible frogs, world-wide.
The bullfrog can reach 10-20 cm in body length and weigh 60-900 g. The bullfrog's skin colour can be anywhere from light green to dark olive to nearly brown or black. The shade of colour may vary in any individual at different temperatures. Typically, darkness will cause a frog to lighten up. Frogs that are cold or trying to absorb heat will be dark.
Bullfrogs do not have ridges on the back and sides of its body. The hind foot is extensively webbed except for the last digit on the fourth toe. The size of the adult bullfrog and the absence of the ridges on the back and sides of its body help distinguish it from other frogs (e.g. the very similar green frog).
Bullfrogs are highly aquatic and inhabit warm, open, permanent ponds. Bullfrog tadpoles prefer non-vegetated areas and medium depths in the early life stages, and deeper water in the later stages.
Impact
Bullfrogs are voracious and eat anything they can fit into their mouths. Aside from smaller normal prey, they have been known to eat other frogs and toads, tadpoles, fish, small snakes, and turtles, even small birds and rodents. They are also detrimental to other frog populations when they are introduced into an area that did not formerly have bullfrogs.
Distribution
The bullfrog is native to central and eastern USA and southeastern Canada. It has been introduced to Hawaii, parts of western USA and southwestern Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia.
Management
Bullfrogs may be taken by a variety of methods, including shooting, spears/gigs, bow and arrow, clubs, nets, traps, angling and by hand.
Resources
Page last updated: 22 October 2008