Green Frog

Photo: Heidi Rockney
Photo: Heidi Rockney
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Lithobates clamitans

What they look like

  • Up to 11cm
  • Bronze/brown or green and can be with or without dark spots
  • Have a two skin folds that run along each side and white bellies sometimes with blotches and/or lines
  • Light green jaw stripe and eyes are larger than tympanums (eardrum)

All About Amphibians

Name: Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
Order: Frogs (Anura)
Family: True Frogs (Ranidae)

A small green frog with black splotches is held by a pair of hands
Photo: Heidi Rockney
Photo: Heidi Rockney

Green Frog.

Fast Facts

Where they live

  • Green frogs are not native Washington State; they are native to the Eastern United States.
  • Have been introduced into two areas in Washington State—Toad Lake in Whatcom County and Lake Gillette in Stevens County.
  • Prefer marshes, ponds, steam and lakes, typically with slow water with lots of plants

Breeding

  • Breeding season is Spring-summer
  • Eggs are laid in shallow water with lots of plants
  • Eggs have a foamy surface film (plinth) and are black above and white beneath
  • The eggs only take a few days to hatch

Cool Biology Facts

  • Will utter a high pitched ‘squawk’ when disturbed as it jumps away
  • Males are territorial and will get into physical fights to defend territory
  • Will actively eat both day and night (diurnal)

Threats

small brown salamander on bright green vegetation

Amphibians & Reptiles of Washington

Do you know where rattlesnakes live in our state? Or which salamander breathes through its skin? Explore the fascinating diversity of the 26 species of amphibians and 28 reptiles found in Washington state.

Learn More