The name comes from the male’s deep call, often compared with a bull.
COMPLETE SPECIES PROFILE
American bullfrog
Lithobates catesbeianus
One species, many connections.
Also known as: bullfrog, North American bullfrog
WHY IT MATTERS
One species, many connections.
It links aquatic and terrestrial food webs; outside its native range it can strongly affect local species.
- Scientific name
- Lithobates catesbeianus
- Animal group
- Vertebrate · Amphibia
- Environment
- Freshwater
PUBLIC-DOMAIN VISUAL RECORDS
Two additional perspectives
Together with the primary image, these records show behavior and habitat without covering the photographs with labels.
INTERACTIVE TAXONOMY
Interactive classification
Select any rank to understand what the classification means.
DID YOU KNOW?
Curiosities that reveal how it lives
Large tadpoles may remain aquatic for more than one season.
Adults can eat surprisingly large prey.
It has been introduced far beyond its native North American range.
Where it lives
Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow rivers, and reservoirs.
How it lives
Insects, crayfish, fish, other frogs, and almost any smaller animal it can capture.
Key adaptations
Powerful hind legs, a large mouth, aquatic tadpoles, and a deep resonant call.
Its connections
It links aquatic and terrestrial food webs; outside its native range it can strongly affect local species.
Pressures and protection
Wetland change, pollution, disease, and management as an invasive species in many regions.