Introduction of True Frog: True frogs belong to the Ranidae family and are a fascinating family that is considered to be one of the largest and most diverse families of frog species. True frogs are widely distributed in different regions around the world. These species of frogs are found in every continent except the Antarctica continent.
Humming Bird Food I Classification, Life Span and Distribution
Scientific Classification of True Frog
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Ranidae
Body Structure & Appearance of True Frog
True frogs, which are generally frog species belonging to the Ranidae family, display a variety of physical characteristics that allow them to adapt to different environments. Here is a detailed description of their body structure and appearance:
General Body Shape
- Slender and Streamlined: True frogs typically have a streamlined body that facilitates efficient movement in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
- Head: Usually broad with a rounded snout. Eyes are prominent and positioned towards the top of the head, providing a wide field of vision.
- Mouth: Large, enabling them to catch and consume various prey.
Skin
- Texture: Their skin is smooth and moist which helps in respiration and maintaining hydration.
- Glands: The presence of mucous glands that secrete a sticky coating helps in maintaining tautness and deterring predators.
- Colour: Highly variable. Many true frogs are green or brown, often with patterns such as spots, stripes or blotches that provide camouflage.
Feet
- Webbing: The extent of webbing between the toes varies between species, although most true frogs have feet adapted to aid in swimming.
- Toe pads: Some species have toe pads that enable climbing and gripping surfaces.
Eyes & Vision
- Position: Eyes are set high on the head, allowing frogs to keep most of their body submerged while keeping a lookout for predators and prey.
- Nictitating Membrane: A translucent third eyelid that provides protection and moisture while maintaining visibility underwater.
- Pupil Shape: Varies among species, including horizontal, vertical, and round pupils, which can affect how they perceive light and motion.
Size and Weight
- Variation: Size ranges significantly among species. Some small species measure just a few centimeters, while larger species like the American Bullfrog can grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) or more.
- Sexual Dimorphism: In many species, females are larger than males, possibly due to the energy demands of producing eggs.
Distribution of True Frog
- North America
- Central Asia & South America
- Asia
- Africa
- Australia
- New Zeeland
- Medagaskar
True frogs that belong to the Ranidae family are considered to be one of the most widespread and diverse families of frogs. They are commonly found in various habitats around the world. Their distribution is found in every corner of the world but not in Antarctica. Their detailed description is as follows:
01. North America:
- United States and Canada: True frogs such as the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and the northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) are found widely in a variety of habitats, from temperate forests and wetlands to grasslands and urban areas.
- Mexico: Several species, including the Mexican tree frog (Smilisca baudini), live in habitats ranging from tropical forests to arid areas.
02. Central & South America:
- Diverse habitats: True frogs are found in tropical rainforests, savannas, and high altitudes. Species such as the smoky jungle frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus) are found throughout the Amazon Basin.
- Endemism: Many species are endemic to specific regions, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the Neotropical regions.
03. Europe:
- Wide distribution: Species such as the common frog (Rana temporaria) and the edible frog (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) are found throughout Europe and range from the British Isles to Eastern Europe.
- Habitat: These frogs prefer to inhabit a variety of environments including temperate forests, wetlands, grasslands and urban areas.
04. Asia:
- Broad range: True frogs in Asia, such as the Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) and the Chinese edible frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus), range from the temperate regions of Russia to the tropics of Southeast Asia.
- Diverse environments: These frogs also thrive in a variety of habitats, including rivers, lakes, rice fields, and tropical rainforests.
05. Africa:
- Species diversity: Africa is home to a wide range of true frogs such as the African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) and the guttural toad (Sclerophrys gutturalis).
- Habitat diversity: These frogs prefer to live in savannas, tropical forests, arid areas and even mountainous regions
06. Australia and New Zealand:
- Introduced species: The Southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) is one of the few examples of a true frog species, found widely in Australia and New Zealand.
07. Madagascar:
- Endemic Species: Due to its unique biodiversity, Madagascar is home to many endemic true frogs which have been adapted to its specific environmental conditions.
Habitat & Life Style of True Frog
True frogs, members of the Ranidae family, exhibit a variety of behaviours and habits that enable them to survive in a variety of environments. Here’s an in-depth look at their habits:
General Behaviour
01. Aquatic and Terrestrial Lifestyle:
- Dual habitats: True frogs typically lead a dual lifestyle, preferring to live both in water and on land. They are most often found near water bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers and wetlands, but several species also occur in terrestrial habitats such as forests and grasslands.
02. Active Periods:
- Diurnal and nocturnal activity: Some true frogs are primarily diurnal (active during the day) while others are nocturnal (active at night). Nocturnal species often prefer to leave their habitats after sunset to avoid predators and take advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels.
Feeding Habits
01. Diet:
- Carnivorous diet: True frogs are carnivorous, their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders and other invertebrates. Larger species can eat fish, other amphibians and even small mammals and birds.
- Hunting methods: They are opportunistic hunters who wait in ambush for their prey and when the prey comes near them, they kill it by releasing a sticky substance from their mouth through their tongue.
Tadpole Diet:
- Herbivores to omnivores: The tadpoles (larval stages) of true frogs often have different dietary needs than adults. They typically graze on algae, plant material and debris, but tadpoles of some species can be omnivores that eat both carnivorous and herbivorous diets.
Life Span of True Frog
The lifespan of true frogs, which belong to the Ranidae family, varies according to the species and environmental conditions. True frogs generally live 3 to 6 years in the wild. However, some species may live longer under faviorable conditions.
References: Wikipedia