Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are common frogs found in North America. They get their name from their wooded habitat. Despite their common name these frogs are not poisonous. In fact they are one of the few species of frogs that are actually safe to eat!
Wood frogs have a very interesting life cycle. In the spring they emerge from their winter homes (under logs rocks or leaves) and head to temporary ponds to mate. The males arrive first and start calling to attract females. Once a female arrives the pair will mate and the female will lay her eggs in the water.
After about two weeks the eggs hatch and the tadpoles emerge. The tadpoles will spend the next several weeks growing and developing into frogs. By late summer the young frogs will leave the pond and head into the woods to start their adult life.
Wood frogs are very common but they are not the only species of frog that is safe to eat. Other edible frogs include the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). So if you’re ever in the mood for frog legs you now know which ones to look for!
Are wood frogs poisonous?
No wood frogs are not poisonous.
Do wood frogs have any predators?
Yes wood frogs have predators such as snakes raccoons and skunks.
What do wood frogs eat?
Wood frogs eat insects spiders and other small invertebrates.
Where do wood frogs live?
Wood frogs can be found in the eastern United States and Canada.
What habitats do wood frogs prefer?
Wood frogs prefer moist habitats such as woodlands forests and wetlands.
What is the average lifespan of a wood frog?
The average lifespan of a wood frog is 4 to 6 years.
How do wood frogs adapt to cold weather?
Wood frogs can tolerate freezing temperatures by producing glucose that acts as an antifreeze in their bodies.
How do wood frogs defend themselves from predators?
Wood frogs have poison glands on their backs that secrete a noxious substance that deters predators.
How do wood frogs mate?
Male wood frogs call to attract females and then grasp them around the waist during copulation.
What is the gestation period of a wood frog?
The gestation period of a wood frog is 2 to 4 weeks.
How many eggs do wood frogs lay?
Wood frogs can lay up to 2000 eggs at a time.
What is the tadpole stage of a wood frog?
The tadpole stage of a wood frog is when the young frog is still developing in the egg and has a tail.
What do wood frog tadpoles eat?
Wood frog tadpoles eat algae plants and small invertebrates.
How long does the tadpole stage last?
The tadpole stage can last anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks.
How does a wood frog change from a tadpole to an adult?
The tadpole stage of a wood frog metamorphosis into an adult when they lose their tail and develop legs.
