Northern green frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern green frog |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Female, Tewksbury Township, New Jersey | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ranidae |
| Genus: | Lithobates |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
L. c. melanota
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Lithobates clamitans melanota (Rafinesque, 1820)
|
|
 |
|
| Native range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Rana clamitans melanotus |
|
The northern green frog (Lithobates clamitans melanota) is a type of frog. It is a subspecies of the larger green frog family. These frogs are found naturally in northeastern North America. They have also been introduced to places like British Columbia.
One cool thing about the northern green frog is its unique call. It sounds just like a single string being plucked on a banjo! These frogs are also sometimes kept as pets.
Contents
About the Northern Green Frog
Northern green frogs can grow to be about 5.5 to 9 centimeters (2.25 to 3.5 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (where waste leaves the body). They are usually green or brownish-green.
Their backs and sides might have some black spots. Their bellies and chests are white. Sometimes, you might see light gray spots on their chests too.
Special Features
A key feature of these frogs is the two raised lines on their backs. These lines are called dorsolateral folds. They start behind the frog's eardrums (tympanic membranes) and go about halfway down its back.
When a male northern green frog calls, its throat swells up. This is because it has a special internal vocal sac. This sac helps make its banjo-like sound louder.
Where They Live
Northern green frogs love water! You can find them in many wet places. They live in marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes. They also like springs and other watery areas.
These frogs are active both during the day and at night. This means you might spot them at different times.
Northern Green Frogs as Pets
Northern green frogs are sometimes kept as pets. However, they are often mistakenly called bullfrogs. If you want to keep one, a 10-gallon tank is good for a single frog. This tank should have both land and water areas.
If you have two or more frogs, they will need a bigger space. This helps them feel less stressed and avoids fighting over space.
What They Eat and How to Care for Them
Northern green frogs enjoy eating insects. Crickets, night crawlers, and mealworms are good food choices for them.
It is important to keep their tank clean. You should change the water in their tank or water bowl once a week. This helps prevent diseases. If you use tap water, it should be treated. This removes harmful metals and chemicals like ammonia. In captivity, these frogs can live for about 10 years.
Images for kids
-
Female northern green frog in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey.
-
Map showing the native range of the northern green frog.
