Carolina gopher frog
A species of American frogs Scientific name : Lithobates capito Genus : American frogs
Carolina gopher frog, A species of American frogs
Scientific name: Lithobates capito
Genus: American frogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By naturalist54 , used under ALL RIGHTS RESERVED /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The gopher frog (Lithobates capito) is a species of frog in the Ranidae family, endemic to the Southeastern United States. It primarily inhabits the threatened sandhill communities, flatwoods, and scrub in the Atlantic coastal plain, where it is usually found near ponds.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Carolina gopher frog is a selective forager, primarily feeding on arthropods like spiders, beetles, and centipedes. Secondary to arthropods, it consumes earthworms, snails, and occasionally small vertebrates, making its diet diverse and omnivorous.
Appearance
Carolina gopher frog is medium-sized with an elongated body, covered by rough skin. Its color palette ranges from shades of brown to dark green often with irregular, darker patterning across the back. They exhibit a distinctive 'boss' or raised area between their eyes. Gender differences are minimal, but males often have more robust forearms due to combat during mating seasons.
Behavior
Carolina gopher frog exhibits a largely solitary life, interacting with others mainly during the mating season. This species is largely terrestrial, typically inhabiting open pine forests. During the day, carolina gopher frog remains hidden in leaf piles or burrows, emerging at night for foraging. Marked by a strong territorial behavior, adult males aggressively defend their breeding territories. A remarkable adaptation noted in this species is its resistance to fire, a survival mechanism in its fire-prone pine forest habitat.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
True frogs Genus
American frogs Species
Carolina gopher frog 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
