Adult: Species description based on Ibanez et al (1999) and Savage (2002). A large ranid (males to 94 mm, females to 125 mm). Dorsal: The dorsal surface is brown, except for the head which is greenish. Dorsolateral folds are present along the dorsum, bordered on the outside by black. Ventral: The ventral surface is whitish with or without some light grey pigmentation. Concealed surfaces: The rear surfaces of the thighs are mottled brown and white. Distinguishing characteristics: The tympanum is very large in this species--approximately the same size as the eye. Eye: The iris is golden above and brownish below, with some darker flecks. Extremities: The feet are fully webbed.
Breeding season: Males call during the rainy season from the shallows of ponds and swamps (Ibanez et al 1999). Tadpole: The tadpole grows very large (Savage 2002). The body is oval, with a moderately long tail and deep tail fins (Savage 2002). The body and tail are dark (Savage 2002). The tail is heavily pigmented with large, dark spots (Savage 2002).
Habitat: Lowland and premontane forest to 880 m elevation. Ecology: Lithobates vaillanti is associated primarily with ponds habitat, where it may be found in shallow water during the day and night (Robinson 1983). Sometimes only the head is visible as the animal floats in the water (Savage 2002). Call: A low grunt. This species also squeaks as it leaps to escape threats (Ibanez et al 1999). Type locality: sur les bords de la rivière de Mullins, près de Belize Diet: The diet consists of any number of animals that will fit in the mouth, including arthropods, fishes, frogs, and birds (Savage 2002).