American Bullfrog

(Lithobates catesbeianus) or the American Bullfrog as it is more commonly known is a member of the true frog family found natively in Eastern North America. With its large size compared to other frog species the species is able to inhabit a wide variety of aquatic environments with relative success. The American Bullfrog gets its name from the male call during breeding season resembling a bulls bellow.

Taxonomy

American Bullfrog Taxonomy

	Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Genus	Family	Species
Classification	Animalia	Cordata	Amphibia	Anura	Ranidae	Lithobates	Lithobates catesbeianus

Habitat

Due to the large size compared to other species of frog, the American Bullfrog is hunted and consumed by countries all over the world as a source of food. With this introduction into new environments as food sources, due to the diverse appetite American Bullfrogs are considered invasive species in its unnatural habitat.

Diet

American Bullfrogs are observed to be ambush and opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of animals small enough to fit in their mouths. Using its tongue and strong bite from the jaw smaller prey are consumed and engulphed using its mouth. Larger prey that are not able to fit in the American Bullfrogs mouth have been observed to be assisted using its hands, with larger prey observed to be asphyxiated after a successful catch as a defense mechanism. This behavior mimics other forms of feeding from other frogs, most notably a wood frog [1].