Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
American Bullfrog
Scientific name: Lithobates catesbeianus

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: RANIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 3 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.05-30.09
Gestation: N/A
Births: N/A
Habitat:
Ponds, marshes, lakes
Description:
The American Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, is a species of frog native to North America. Known for its large size, it can reach up to 20 cm in length and weigh over 500 grams. Its skin is typically green or brown with darker spots, and it has powerful hind legs adapted for jumping and swimming. This frog is often found near stagnant water bodies like ponds, marshes, and lakes. It is famous for its loud, deep call that resembles a bull's bellow, hence its name. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes a variety of insects, small fish, and even small birds and mammals.
Recommended lens:
>=Macro
Photography tips:
To photograph the American Bullfrog, focus on dusk or nighttime when it is more active. Use a macro lens to capture the details of its textured skin and expressive eyes. Approach slowly to avoid startling it, maintaining a distance of at least 3 meters. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera in low light conditions. Try to capture its natural environment, such as reflections in the water or surrounding vegetation, to add context to your image.
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