Northern green frog (Rana/Lithobates clamitans melanota)

Identification

Northern green frogs are typically greenish to brownish and may show mottling. A prominent feature is a pair of raised folds of skin called dorsolateral folds that run from behind each eye down the back; these are an important field mark. The call of the male is often described as resembling a plucked banjo string or a twanging sound; audio references and recordings are available here.

• Size: generally described as moderately large compared with smaller frogs.
• Skin and color: green to brown tones with variable spotting.
• Dorsolateral folds: distinct and running from eye toward back.
• Call: sharp, banjo-like note used by males during breeding.

Distribution and habitat

This subspecies occurs across the northeastern United States and into parts of eastern Canada. For regional range information consult resources for the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada. Northern green frogs are closely associated with permanent and semi-permanent water bodies: they are commonly found in swamps, marshes, shallow ponds and along muddy streams, where vegetation and slow-moving water provide cover and feeding opportunities.

Behavior, diet and life cycle

These frogs are largely aquatic and are most active near water. Adults are opportunistic feeders that eat insects, spiders, small crustaceans and other invertebrates; larger individuals may take small vertebrates. Breeding typically occurs in warm months, when males call from the water to attract females. Eggs are laid in masses attached to submerged vegetation and develop into aquatic tadpoles before metamorphosing into terrestrial juveniles.

Similar species and notable distinctions

The bullfrog is a larger, related species often found in the same regions; a key difference is that bullfrogs lack the dorsolateral folds that the Northern green frog displays — see a comparative note here. For more on wetland amphibian communities consult a habitat-focused resource here or regional guides here.

Additional reading and field resources with recordings, images and range maps can be found through regional databases and field guide portals: general sound and natural history references are linked here, and habitat descriptions are available via entries on swamps, marshes and streams.

For conservation status or local observations, consult local wildlife agencies and herpetological societies that maintain up-to-date distribution and population information for this subspecies in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.