Rana clamitans melanota [Green Frog]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. 2013. Rana clamitans melanota Latrielle 1801. (Ranidae). Green Frog. Frog photographed in ultraviolet and visible light. http://www.ultraviol...ota-green-frog/

 

Vernal Pond, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville, NJ, USA

13 May 2010

 

Comment:

This frog had the ridge running from its eye down its side which tells us it is not the similar looking Bullfrog (R. catesbeiana). The yellowish throat and the tympanum being larger than the eye indicates a male. Note that the frog's throat and belly is UV-bright. His back, however, is UV-dark and thus must offer some protection from UV-seeing predators when he is on land.

 

References:

1. Schwartz & Golden (2002) Green Frog, page 43. Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/

2. Elliot, Gerhardt & Davidson (2009) Green Frog, page 54. The Frogs and Toads of North America, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York City, NY.

 

Equipment [Nikon D200-broadband + Novoflex 35mm f/4.0 Noflexar]

 

Visible Light [f/8 for 1/15" @ ISO 500 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

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Ultraviolet Light [f/8 for 4" @ ISO 500 in Sunlight with Baader UV-Pass Filter]

There is vignetting from this lens which causes some discoloration in the corners and edges of this photo.

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