Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
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Family : RANIDAE
Species : Lithobates catesbeiana
Size (snout to vent) : 17 cm
A native of the U.S.A. and
southern Canada, this species has been freed into ponds and reservoirs in
parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,
often as a means of religious 'merit-making'. This practice is potentially damaging
to native amphibian diversity, as this
large frog may out-compete local species.
Its size reach up to 15 cm
(snout-to-vent), and the colour is usually greenish-brown, with a green
head. In females the tympanum (external ear drum) is of equal size to the
eye, and in males much larger. The hind feet are well webbed.
Lithobates catesbeiana feeds on crustaceans,
worms and insects and will also take other amphibians, including their own
kind. They are bred for food, as their hind legs are muscular and well
suited as 'frogs-legs' for the local restaurant market.
Figs 1 and 2 : Adult at Upper Seletar, Singapore.
Fig 3 : Adult male in a shallow forest stream at Bukit Timah,
Singapore.
Fig 4 : Juvenile group at Lower Peirce, Singapore.
References :
Lim, K.P., Lim, L.K.,1992. A Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of
Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
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