Just bought a frog but not sure how to name it? No need to worry! Although frog species vary widely, there are several ways to identify the sex of a frog in general. Learn how to tell the difference in your frog's appearance and behavior quickly and easily!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Appearance Hint
Step 1. Pay attention to the size
In most species, male frogs are smaller than female frogs. Tree frogs generally measure 1-5.5 inches (3-14 centimeters) depending on the type of frog itself. The female frog is relatively longer and larger than the male frogs of the same species.
This has to do with the way frogs reproduce. The male frog has to climb on the female frog's back so the female frog must be larger so that the weight of the male frog will not hurt her
Step 2. Look for the presence of the voice bag
Male frogs have a special throat structure because they make more noise than females (this will be discussed further below). In general, male frogs (including tree frog species) have a vocal cord in their throat. This sac can hold air and inflate like a balloon when a frog makes a sound. In its normal position, this sac will shrink and make the male frog's skin look looser than the female frog.
In addition, the vocal cords found in male frogs usually have a yellowish or darker color that is different from the color on the underside of the frog's body
Step 3. Check the size of the ears
Unlike humans, frogs do not have ears protruding from their heads but rather a pair of flattened discs covered by skin and located behind their eyes. Although not always, the color of the frog's ears is usually different from the color of the surrounding skin. The majority of male frogs have ears that are larger than their eyes, while the ear size of female frogs is smaller or almost close to the size of the eyes.
Step 4. Find the pad near the thumb
Male frogs (including tree frogs) often have special features on their hands and arms. This is useful for making it easier for the frog to grip the female frog when breeding. For example, it is not uncommon for male frogs to have rougher skin on both of their thumbs. If the thumb size of your frog looks big and thick compared to the rest of the fingers, especially on the underside, then it is very likely that the frog is a male.
This trait may be difficult to find outside of the breeding season
Step 5. Notice other differences that can be found on the frog's body
There are many other external factors that refer to and depend on the sex of a frog. Some of its features can be found below. This of course can vary from species to species. These characteristics may be found in some frog species, but not in others. One example is the hook on the frog's hand which will be described below. These hooks usually only appear before the breeding season.
- Some male frogs have thicker arms and muscles.
- Some male frogs have hands equipped with hooks to facilitate the mating process with female frogs.
- In certain species, male frogs have a rougher skin (usually also equipped with small spines) while the female frog's skin is smoother.
Method 2 of 2: Code of Conduct
Step 1. Listen to the sound of frogs at night
Male frogs usually sound non-stop at night. The reason is to attract the attention of female frogs in the vicinity where it is located. Meanwhile, the female frog will use the sound produced by the male frog as a measure of which is healthier and more attractive. In contrast to male frogs, female frogs generally do not make much noise..
This doesn't mean that female frogs don't make noises at all. At certain times, the female frog will also sound as a form of response. For example, a female frog will make loud noises if she is in danger. However, female frogs will not make sounds every night like male frogs
Step 2. Pay attention to the frog's sexual habits
Male frogs will occasionally behave uniquely. They have a habit of climbing an object and then gripping the object with the front of the foot and pressing the lower part of the body firmly. Male frogs will not move their bodies like dogs during breeding season, but this behavior is certainly a reference to the way they reproduce.
This of course is not only limited to female frogs. Male frogs may attach themselves to objects such as plants or rocks. It is also possible for female frogs to climb over the bodies of other male frogs. However, female frogs will certainly not do that
Step 3. Learn behaviors that are not sexually suggestive
Some of the behavior of female and male frogs may appear as a characteristic that will only be carried out by each species, but in fact this is not true. Listed below are some of these behaviors.
- Both male and female frogs will defend themselves or flee when threatened.
- Both male and female frogs molt.
- Both male and female frogs will try to disguise themselves with similar colored objects around them.
- Male and female frogs of the same species have the same diet.
Step 4. If all else fails, try asking an experienced breeder or veterinarian for advice
It's not easy to tell the sex of a frog, especially if you're dealing with a small species or one that doesn't have a marked difference between male and female frogs. In this case, do not hesitate to consult an expert. Biologists, amphibian experts, veterinarians, and other experts can be invaluable sources of information to help you.
Tips
- Searching for a frog's genitals is not a good idea to identify their gender. Like the ovaries, the testes of male frogs are located on the inside of their bodies. Because of this, it would be very difficult or even impossible to determine the sex of a frog just by examining the underside of their body.
- In some tree frog species, male and female frogs have different fixed colors and patterns. However, this varies from species to species and cannot be used as a benchmark for most tree frogs. If you're unsure about your frog, try studying the species in a biological encyclopedia.
Related wikiHows
- How to Take Care of Frogs
- How to Find a Frog
- How to Take Care of Frogs
