RANIDAE

family of wide-ranging frogs of the order Anura, containing more than 400 species. Representatives occur on every continent except Antarctica. Members of the group are referred to as the true frogs because of their generalized body form and life history. The eggs of most species are laid in water and develop into typical tadpoles prior to metamorphosis. The most common genus is Rana, which includes the large bullfrog of North America. See also bullfrog; common frog; green frog; leopard frog; marsh frog; pickerel frog; wood frog.