American BullFrog
The bullfrog is Missouri’s largest frog; it ranges from green to olive to brown. The back may have small brown spots or dark, indistinct, irregular blotches. The hind legs are marked with distinct dark brown bars. The belly is white, and the throat may have some gray mottling. The external eardrum is large and round. On adult males this tympanum is much larger than the eye; on females, it’s about the same size as the eye. This species has been known to reach 8 inches from snout to vent. Call is a deep, sonorous “jug-a-rum, jug-a-rum” that can be heard from half a mile away or more.
The bullfrog is our most aquatic species of frog. Individuals spend most of their time in or very near lakes, ponds, rivers, large creeks, sloughs, and permanent swamps or marshes. Because permanent water is required, bullfrog populations can suffer during drought years. When disturbed, bullfrogs escape by powerful jumps into the water. Young bullfrogs will often give out a short, high-pitched yelp as they leap to safety. Bullfrogs sometimes move overland during heavy summer rains.
Bullfrogs will try to eat just about any moving creature they can get their mouths around. The size and age of the frog, the season, and the type of habitat influence their diet. Frogs in farm ponds have different foods available than ones in impoundments or in rivers. In general, foods include insects, spiders, crayfish, fish, amphibians, birds, and even small mammals. Bullfrogs commonly eat other frogs, and they don’t hesitate to eat their own kind.
