Description
The Mink Frog is a moderate sized frog, olive to brown in colour
and may have dark spots or mottling on the sides and hind legs. The belly
is yellowish and the dorsolateral ridges may
be prominent, partial or absent. It has a large tympanum
and slightly upturned eyes. The name Mink Frog refers to its pungent, musky
odour. The webbing on the hind foot reaches the last joint of the longest
toe. Adults may reach 7 cm.
Call
The Mink Frog call consists of a rapid series of three or more
croaks like the tapping of a metal hammer on wood. It is easily confused
with that of the [species]Green Frog but lacks the twangy bounce of that
call. A large chorus sounds like popcorn popping.
Confusing Species The Green
Frog is similar although it can get larger and always has partial dorsolateral
ridges. In addition, the Green Frog has a white belly.
Distribution
The Mink Frog is a northern species which has most of its distribution
in Canada. It is found in southern Manitoba, and through much of Ontario,
Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Labrador. It is also found in some
states in the Great Lakes basin.
Habitat
The Mink Frog is highly aquatic and rarely found on land. It
prefers large, cold, permanent ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers with
abundant vegetation.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs from late spring through mid summer. Choruses
increase in intensity through the night and peak before dawn. Egg masses
are globular but have never been observed in the wild. Tadpoles overwinter
in water before transforming.
Natural history
Mink Frogs are very aquatic but may be seen on land in late
fall. They are more skittish than Green Frogs and Bullfrogs. Adults hibernate
under water.
Conservation Concerns
The Mink Frog is one of the few species of amphibians with most
of its distribution in Canada. Populations are apparently stable.
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