This family of nearly world-wide distribution contains what are usually thought of as "typical" frogs: the American bullfrog and leopard frog as well as the European source of traditional "frog's legs". Three species occur as far north as the arctic circle, and the family is absent only from parts of Australasia. The group's greatest diversity is in Asia and Africa. Although most ranids lead distincly amphibious lives, there are also strictly aquatic species, aboreal ones and burrowing ones. A number of odd little frog groups are sometimes incorporated into this family, sometimes given their own. These include the Seychell frogs, the African hairy frog and its relatives and the beautiful Madagascan mantellas. The world's largest anuran, the goliath frog (Conraua goliath) at over a foot in length is yet another interesting ranid. Most of the group lays large egg masses in open water, although there are ample exceptions. A number of genera, for instance, lay terrestrial eggs that develop directly into froglets.

The green paddy frog is a very successful and familiar frog over much of southeast Asia and the Philippines. It thrives in many different habitats, including heavily grazed pastureland and practically any situation with adequate water. It does seem to be much less common, however, at higher elevations. Breeding takes place all year round, and the chucking and peeping calls of the males can be heard about bodies of water most any evening. The egg masses are attached to submerged plants, and the tadpoles require about two months to metamorphose. The males are said to mature more slowly than the females. The average longevity of these frogs in the wild is about four years.