Wood frog

Wood Frog(Lithobates sylvaticus or Rana sylvatica) is a terrestrial frog found throughout North America. It can be found in the up into the north most boreal forests of Canada down to the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. They belong to the Order Anura, Family being Ranidae.

Description

The wood frog is a small frog ranging in size from an inch to three and a half inches in length as an adult. Females are typically larger than males and tend to be more brightly colored. It can be brown, tan to rust colored with distinct black patches over it's eyes that resemble a mask.The underbelly a greenish yellow Coloration may vary with individual depending on conditions. Two distinct ridges run down it's back on each side.

Distribution and Habitat

Wood Frogs can be found through most of Canada and Alaska and as far south as northern Georgia. In the United States they are mostly found in the Northeastern states. Wood frogs are forest dwelling amphibians. During the summer months they can be found in an moist forested areas, ravines,bogs or forested swamps During the winter months the seek refuge in leaf litter in the uplands. When spring comes they will migrate into forested wetlands or other protected bodies of water to breed. This migration can be somewhat explosive with large numbers migrating. For breeding these frogs find temporary pools of water of vernal pools. This can be any cut off water sources like in a stream or ponds, even in ditches. These are usually fish free to increase survivability of the offspring. Wood frogs are diurnal and are rarely seen at night but often heard in loud chores during mating seasons.

Diet

Wood Frogs are omnivores. While inhabiting the forests as adults they feed on a variety of small invertebrates that they find on the forest floor. As tadpoles they will feed on algae or detritus and even larvae of amphibians.

Reproduction

The Wood frogs emerge from the leaf litter in late winter or early spring, usually March. The head to a nearby body of water and begin looking for a mate. The male wood frog has a short quack like mating call. Once the frogs pair the female will lay egg clutches of 300-1000 eggs. The eggs will hatch between 9 to 30 days after they are laid. Males will mature between 1 and 2 years and Females after about 3 years. Some individuals will only reproduce once in there lives, others two or three times as their life span is on average 4 years.