The scientific name for the bullfrog is
Rana Catesbieana. There is no simple translation for the word Rana but it
comes from a Roman word that means "true frogs." The word Cat – is – bee
–yah –na comes from the name of a scientist named Mark Catesby. Do you
remember how Carl Linne changed his name to Carolus Linneaus? Well the
scientists did the same thing to Mr. Catesby’s name.
Now on to the important business of
describing the bullfrogs. Bullfrogs are the largest frogs in North America.
Female bullfrogs lay thousands and thousands of eggs which are then
fertilized by the male. Soon these eggs grow into tadpoles which look
like fish. Bullfrogs live as tadpoles for up to 3 years! During this time
the tadpole grows legs and one day crawls onto the land to begin life as a
genuine bullfrogs.
A male bullfrogs
picks his territory and
defends it from other males. The male bullfrog will fight another bullfrog
if he invades his territory. The bullfrog grabs his opponent with his front
legs. When the bullfrog has his opponent secure he flips him over with his
powerful hind legs. Luckily, male bullfrogs do not always have to fight
other males because each frog can hear the mighty roar of the bullfrog
mating call. This loud "jug-o-rum" sound lets other bullfrogs know the
territory of an individual frog. The only frog allowed in the territory is
the female for whom the male bullfrog serenades with his throaty song.
Humans not only enjoy the sound of
the bullfrog but also their mighty legs which can be deep fried in batter
and eaten like a chicken leg. This tasty treat even tastes like chicken!!
Unfortunately, the bullfrog has been
introduced into the Western United States where it has pushed out some of
the natural living things in those areas. The cowboys may start lassoing
bullfrogs instead of longhorns.
