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.
Description
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
The Bullfrog is known to eat a variety of organisms most typically being invertebrates including species of snail, worm, and insect.
Feeding
American Bullfrogs are observed to be ambush and opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of animals unsuspecting of their presence. Once its prey has been located it moves towards the prey using a series of hops to sneak up on its meal. 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].