American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

AmphibianFrogCarnivore

Overview

The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is one of the largest frogs in North America, a heavy-bodied amphibian of ponds, lakes, and slow waterways. It is named for the male's deep, resonant call, often likened to the bellow of a bull, which carries far across the water on warm nights.

A powerful, opportunistic predator, the bullfrog will eat almost any animal it can overpower. Native to eastern and central North America, it has also been introduced to many other regions, where it can become a damaging invasive species.

Conservation note: in its native range the American bullfrog is widespread and not of concern, but where introduced it is often managed as an invasive species that harms native wildlife. Verify status and regional context through authoritative sources.

Habitat & Range

Bullfrogs favour warm, permanent fresh water with plenty of vegetation — ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow streams. Native to eastern and central North America, introduced populations are now established in parts of the western US and in many countries around the world.

Diet

The American bullfrog is a voracious, opportunistic carnivore. It eats insects and other invertebrates, but also fish, other frogs, small reptiles, small mammals, and birds when it can catch them. This broad, aggressive appetite is part of why introduced bullfrogs can disrupt native ecosystems.

Behavior

Bullfrogs are largely aquatic and most active in warm months, with males calling to defend territories and attract mates. The aquatic tadpoles are large and can take a year or more to transform into froglets. In cold regions, bullfrogs overwinter in a dormant state.

Human Interaction & Conservation

American bullfrogs are familiar in their native range and are sometimes farmed or harvested. The main ecological concern is their role as an introduced invasive species: outside their native range they prey on and compete with native amphibians and other wildlife and can help spread amphibian diseases. Management follows regional guidance and authoritative sources.

More photos of the american bullfrog