Family: Ranidae, True Frogs view all from this family

Description 3 1/4-6 3/8" (8-16.2 cm). Large bullfrog; olive to grayish-green to dark brown, with numerous dark spots and distinct band on thighs. Large eardrum, and fully webbed hind feet. No dorsolateral ridges. Belly cream, often with heavy mottling.

Voice   A short, explosive piglike grunt, from which it gets its common name. Chorus sound is a steady roar. Calls year-round, usually from a floating position.

Breeding March through September. Tadpoles are large, to 5" (12.7 cm), greenish, and transform within 2 years.

Habitat Aquatic. Marshes, shores of lakes, ponds, or other waters with a dense cover of emergent or floating vegetation.

Range From s. South Carolina through Florida west along Gulf coast to se. Texas.

Discussion Nocturnal. Known as "bullfrogs" throughout much of the South, Pig Frogs are sought for their edible legs. Where hunted regularly, they are wary of humans and headlamps. Where not hunted, they are placid and easily approached. The most aquatic of the bullfrogs, the Pig Frog spends most of its time floating among water hyacinth, cattails, or emergent sedges. It feeds extensively on crayfish.