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Bull frog - Bull frogs are not indigenous to Utah. When they were introduced they quickly devoured the local population of amphibians and have changed the ecosystem. Bull frogs are noted for their "baroom" that echoes in the night. These large frogs (growing to over 6 inches long) are the largest frogs in North America. They will eat small fry and your smaller yearlings too in a matter of weeks. They are and should be considered predators.
Green frog - Similar to the Bull frog. This frog's call sounds similar to a banjo string being plucked. It too can decimate your small fish population. This frog grows to 4 inches long and will live up to 5 years. It prefers to be near water.
- Leopard frogs - Are indigenous to Utah. They have spots on their bodies that
resemble a leopards coat, hence the name. These frogs grow to around 6 inches long (not including extending their legs). The sound of Leopard frogs is much quieter than their cousins. They are also easy prey for other predators (like snakes) as they will sit very still allowing a snake to come right up and ingest them with out a struggle or any kind of movement. My experience with these frogs has been good as they have kept down my slug population and other annoying bugs.
- Tadpoles - All frogs were once tadpoles. If you wonder what those jelly masses are, they might very well be frog eggs. Once these guys hatch they will begin to eat the filamentous algae until they begin the metamorphous into a frog. They can take up to a year to make this transformation.
CRITTERS
FROGS
There are many kinds of frogs. Despite popular belief, frogs do not spend their entire time in water and can survive with a minimal amount of it if they are not exposed to the sun. Frogs will hibernate in the winter and reemerge in the spring when the weather warms. Frogs need shallow areas to relax in so if you want them in your pond give them a place to live. If you want to provide winter quarters for your frogs place a pot of bare soil in the bottom of your pond or an area of loose sand nearby and they will head there for the winter. Frogs metabolism is much like fish except they are even more dormant during the cold months. If you live near a body of water the frogs will find your pond so be prepared to deal with them. These amphibians will stay around as long as they can easily find food.
The 3 most common are: