Food Habits of the Green Frog, Rana clamitans, in Southern Illinois

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Abstract
A consecutive 12-month food-habits study was made of 475 green frogs, Rana clamitans, in southern Illinois. The greatest volume of food was consumed during the spring months, whereas least food was ingested in the winter. During winter juveniles were more active food gatherers than adult frogs. Juvenile frogs ingested only half the average volume of food during the year as did adults. Adult females consumed a much greater volume of food than adult males during the breeding season. Immature and aquatic organisms composed 31 and 32%, respectively, of the total volume of animals consumed. In general, the percent volume of immature organisms eaten increased from Jan. to Sep. and then decreased. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Pulmonata comprised 25.7, 13.2, and 12.0% volume, respectively, of ingested material; Coleoptera and Pulmonata showed the greatest frequency of occurrence. The diet of the green frog was strongly influenced by the habitat and by seasonal variations in the availability of prey organisms.