River Frog - Plays Dead When Caught

The River Frog's name gives most people the misunderstanding that they can only be found in rivers; however, this is not the case. The River Frog can be found in many different water sources like lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and vegetated shorelines in the Southeastern part of the United States of America. Generally, they are more prominent in Alabama, Florida, and Carolina.

The River Frog is not a colorful frog. The dorsal surface of the frog is generally a dark green color, and a belly which ranges from gray to black. The belly is also marked with some light spots, and their lips also have some light spots on them. The males may have a light yellow suffusion on the throat. The tadpoles will metamorphose into the frogs in many complicated steps, and will go through many color changes. These frogs are from 3 - 5 inches generally although there have been some larger ones spotted that are over 6 inches long! The tadpoles of the River Frog are much larger than tadpoles of other frog species which is one way of identifying them!

The river frog can be approached easily as it will often sit in a surface where they are easily spotted by predators. However, unlike other frogs, they will not attempt to flee when they are caught; instead, they will play dead. The whole body of the River Frog will go limp and it really can be mistaken for a deceased one. Otherwise, it will emit an odor which will drive their predators away from them.

The River Frog has a diet much like any other. They will feed on any insects and invertebrates that they can find. Occasionally, they will even eat smaller frogs. However, they play an important role in the ecosystem, and help many get rid of what we determine pests like mosquitoes.

The mating season for the River Frogs is generally from April to July. The males will call out to the female in attempts to attracting them. One interesting characteristic is that the males will have different calls depending on their size and maturity. Mature male frogs will normally have a deeper call while the younger ones will have a more high-pitched call. On the same note, the same applies to the different sizes of male frogs. Tadpoles will take one year to metamorphose into a frog.

The River Frogs do not have much of a negative impact on the environment if any at all; however, they do play a huge ecological importance. The frogs still have a stable population which we really should work to encourage for the future.

Like many other frogs, the River frogs have many interesting qualities and characteristics which set them apart from the rest. Since they are easy to spot, it's definitely fun to try to spot them in the spring and summer.