North American Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Can you find the bullfrog hiding under the leaves?
While sharing plants in my garden with neighbors, I was surprised to hear the deep, throaty tones of Rana catesbeiana (North American bullfrog). Heading toward the distinctive sound, I spotted the temporary pool in my rain garden created after the sudden thunderstorm of the night before. There, cool in the shade of a hibiscus leaf, sat the creature whose great voice was disproportionate for its size. The next day, only a muddy patch was left there, with no trace of the bullfrog. I suspect that it had burrowed into the moist soil. During drought conditions of summer, these animals survive by conserving energy underground in a state of hibernation called estivation. I hope to see him emerge after the next big storm!
