It’s the time of year that local green frogs and bull frogs are leaving their watery confines to try a life on land. These large frogs breed only in permanent bodies of water, because they spend several years as a tadpole before metamorphosis. Unlike our vernal pool species, which breed earlier and are leaving their temporary pools before they dry, these species rely on permanent water that allows their tadpoles to overwinter – sometimes several times, depending on latitude.
Want to learn more about the frogs in your neighborhood? There are Peterson Field Guides for that thanks to Roger Tory Peterson’s pioneering efforts! ????
Photo shows metamorph bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).
