Crawfish frog
A species of American frogs Scientific name : Lithobates areolatus Genus : American frogs
Crawfish frog, A species of American frogs
Scientific name: Lithobates areolatus
Genus: American frogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Stanley Trauth , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The crawfish frog (Lithobates areolatus) is a medium-sized species of frog native to the prairies and grasslands of the central United States. It gets its name because it inhabits the burrows of crayfish for most of the year.
General Info
Lifespan
1-3 years
Diet
Crawfish frog predominantly feeds on a variety of invertebrates, with a particular preference for insects and spiders. This species also occasionally consumes small vertebrates and plant matter to supplement its diet.
Appearance
Crawfish frog is a medium-sized amphibian with a dorsally compressed body. It has a slick, textured skin which predominantly displays a color scheme of dusty browns and greens, often punctuated by darker circular or oval spots. Its most distinguishing feature is its long, powerful hind legs, adapted for jumping. Juveniles are brighter, often with more distinct markings, while female crawfish frog are considerably larger than males.
Behavior
Crawfish frog exhibits crepuscular activity patterns, hunting for food during twilight. Known for their unique 'resting phase,' they bury themselves in substrate or water during times of inactivity. These amphibians exhibit social dynamics within breeding areas, often demonstrating aggressive male combat during mating season. Their distinctive survival adaptation includes skin color variation aiding in camouflage within their wetland habitats.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Stanley Trauth , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
True frogs Genus
American frogs Species
Crawfish frog