Wood Frog
Wood Frog Facts
| Size | 2-2.7 in (51-70 mm) |
| Speed | Unknown |
| Weight | Up to 0.2 oz (8 g) |
| Lifespan | Up to 3 years |
| Food | Little vertebrates |
| Predators | Snakes, herons, owls, raccoons |
| Habitat | North America, Alaska, Canada |
| Class | Amphibians |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Ranidae |
| Scientific name | Rana sylvatica |
| Characteristics | Survives very cold temperatures below zero degrees Celsius |
Main Characteristics
The wood frog is an amphibian living in the woods of North America. It survives sub-zero temperatures.
Anatomy and Appearance
What Does the Wood Frog Look Like?
There are 260 "true frogs" among 5,800 species of anurans (= frogs and toads). It is not always easy to instantly distinguish between them, especially when they are quickly hopping past you. Yet, it easy to recognize a wood frog with its distinctive dark eye mask.
Senses and Abilities
Are There Animals That Can Freeze and Come Back to Life?
Yes, the wood frog! If temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) for some time, not only the ground freezes but also the wood frog. This might be rather unpleasant, but, what’s more, it does not breathe and its heart does not beat until springtime! In order not to die during the cold period, the frog pumps a lot of glucose (sugar) and urea into its body. Both substances prevent the formation of lethal ice crystals in the body cells.
The Wood Frog Survives 21 Degrees Fahrenheit (-6 Degrees Celsius)
This trick has its limits of course. If more than 65% of the frog’s body liquids freeze, not even the wood frog would be able to survive. It also must not get too cold. During its torpor, the body temperature of the wood frog lies between 30 and 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 and -6 degrees Celsius). If it were colder than 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), the wood frog would also have to give up. Brrr! This is simply too cold! The wood frog is not the only animal that lapses into torpor. Fish, lizards, turtles and insects do, too.
Life Expectancy
How Old Do Wood Frogs Get?
The little chap has not got much time to reproduce. Normally it reaches an age between two and three years. After about one year, the male frogs are ready for mating, the females after two years.
Reproduction
A Whole Lot of Frogs
The wood frog’s clutch of eggs is directly under the water surface and consists of 2,000-3,000 eggs. The little wood frogs hatch after 10 to 30 days.
Related Articles:
- Animals and Their Tricks for the Cold
- All About Frogs and Toads
- Frog or Toad - What’s the Difference?
Recommended Videos:
All About Amphibians
All About Hibernation
