Green Frog

(Rana clamitans melanota)

NH Conservation Status: Not listed

State Rank Status: Widespread and secure

Distribution: Throughout NH

Description: A 2-4 inch green or brownish frog with prominent ridges along each side of the back that branch from a large disc (the tympanum) behind the each eye. The ridges terminate before reaching the groin area.

Commonly Confused Species: Bullfrog, Mink frog

Habitat: Found in a variety of permanent and semi-permanent freshwater habitats including the shorelines of ponds, lakes, and streams, vernal pools, moist woodlands, bogs, and ditches.

Life History: During spring and summer, large numbers of eggs are coated in masses of jelly and attached to submerged vegetation in permanent water. Females may lay two clutches per year. 

Voice: Like the twang of a banjo string, usually given a single note at a time. Often gives a startled yelp as it leaps away.

Conservation Threats: Species is secure.

Distribution map: Click here for a map showing the towns where this species is reported to occur in NH

Green frog call - click "play" triangle to listen:
Green Frogs have two prominent lateral ridges that run down their back. Photo by Mike Marchand.
When startled, green frogs often emit an alarm call and submerge themselves in water. Photo by Mike Marchand.	Notice the lateral ridges extending past the disc on the green frog (below) and the absence of the ridges on the bullfrog (above). Photo by Mike Marchand.
During late spring and summer, green frog tadpoles can be found in permanent ponds and lakes.  Green frogs and bullfrogs generally require permanent water because tadpoles may take multiple years to develop into small frogs. Photo by Mike Marchand.	Green frogs are commonly seen in congregations in shallow pools of water. Photo by Mike Marchand.