Pickerel frogs are medium-sized frogs that are frequently confused with Leopard Frogs. They can be identified by their brown, copper, or green coloration with distinctive square spots in two rows down their backs. But, are pickerel frogs poisonous? Pickerel frogs are mildly poisonous. When frightened, they produce skin secretions that are toxic or distasteful to … Read more
Most people know that frogs that love to hang around ponds and other water bodies are very efficient swimmers. But since tree frogs spend most of their time in or around trees, you may be wondering if they too can swim. Tree frogs can swim – however, they generally live a very terrestrial life, so … Read more
Leopard frogs are mediumly-sized frogs found across much of the Northern part of North America. Like most frogs, leopard frogs are obligate carnivores, which means they eat animal protein instead of plants or vegetation. But what do leopard frogs eat? Leopard frogs are generalist predators that will eat almost any prey they can fit into … Read more
In the winter, we don’t see many frogs or other amphibians around. This is because frogs cannot internally control their body temperature, so it is at the mercy of the temperatures in their environment. Frogs are cold-blooded animals, which means they cannot regulate their body temperature. Their body temperature changes as the temperature in their … Read more
All living things on the surface of the planet are exposed to ultraviolet light to some extent. Diffused and reflected UVB will penetrate into deep shade and even nocturnal creatures may be exposed to small amounts whilst hidden in their daytime retreats. Exposure to UVB allows tree frogs to synthesize vitamin D in their skin, … Read more
American green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) are small, smooth-skinned frogs found in the central and southeastern United States, from eastern Virginia down to Florida and as far west as Texas. Like most other frogs, they are obligate carnivores as adults, which means they eat animal-based food instead of plants or vegetation. Green tree frogs are opportunistic predators – … Read more
All living things on the surface of the planet are exposed to ultraviolet light to some extent. Diffused and reflected UVB will penetrate into deep shade and even nocturnal creatures may be exposed to small amounts whilst hidden in their daytime retreats. Exposure to UVB allows frogs to synthesize vitamin D in their skin, which … Read more
Croaking is one of the most common noises frogs make. The typical loud croaking calls we hear from frogs are known as ‘advertisement calls’, and are used by frogs to advertise themselves as potential partners, for other frogs to mate with. But do female frogs croak? In the vast majority of frog species, females lack … Read more
On warm nights in the wet season, frogs come out of their daytime retreats to call and look for mates. It’s common to hear the croaking of hundreds of hidden frogs – coming from ponds, and other bodies of freshwater nearby. When the sun comes up, the croaking stops, and the frogs go back to … Read more
Amphibians have unique skin compared to that of many other vertebrates. They use their skin to breathe, and also to ‘drink’ water. Many frogs feel slimy because their skin is covered in a mucous coating, which helps them keep their skin moist, enabling them to efficiently breathe through their skin. The slime also creates an environment for … Read more