noun
American bullfrog
Refers specifically to the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), an invasive species in Japan known for its loud, cow-like call.
ウシガエルは日本では外来種として知られている。
The American bullfrog is known as an invasive species in Japan.
Standard katakana spelling, as is typical for many animal names.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is almost always written in kana.
Compound of 牛 (ushi, 'cow') + 蛙 (kaeru, 'frog'), from its deep, cow-like call. The exact origin of the name is uncertain but likely a calque or direct translation of the English 'bullfrog'.