Frogs Across North America: A Species Exploration
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North America is home to over 100 distinct species of frogs. Fortunately, for the curious nature enthusiasts among us, only one of these amphibians is poisonous, allowing us to get up close and personal with many of them.
Spanning across wetlands and woodlands, these adaptable creatures have established their presence in a variety of ecosystems. Join us as we explore the distinctive traits and habitats of common frog species found in North America.
About North American Frogs
There are more than 4000 species of amphibians in the world; these are vertebrates that live both in and out of water. It’s thought that the ancestors of frogs have been on earth for more than 190 million years!
In North America, we currently have around 111 species of frogs and the diversity is incredible with some living in trees, while others prefer to spend their time on the ground.
While all frogs spend at least some time in water, there are some species that are more aquatic than others. When they’re in the water, frogs’ very physical make up affords them the best survival. Ever wondered why frogs’ eyes are on the top of their heads? It’s so they can see when they are partially submerged. On top of this, the nose is also located on the top of the head so the animal can breathe in water.
There are frogs all over North America, but the southeastern United States sees the greatest diversity. In the state of Virginia, there are more than 70 known species of frog; that’s more than anywhere else in North America.
Frogs are part of the order Anura and as well as frogs, this family also contains salamanders and caecilians; a type of serpentine amphibian. Compared to other types of amphibians, frogs are pretty unique in that they do not have a tail.
Most frogs in North America are totally harmless to humans. There is only one species that is poisonous and, like many poisonous frog species, it releases a toxic substance from its skin that causes irritation when touched. This is a great form of defense but is certainly not the only way frogs protect themselves.
Some frogs may emit a stinky odor to deter predators and all species are fantastic jumpers. Most can leap as far as 20 times their own body length but there are some that can jump three times this far!
There are many species of frog that are able to change the color of their skin in order to blend in with their surroundings. You might say they were masters of camouflage and their coloration will depend on things like the surrounding substrate as well as temperature. And speaking of temperature, frogs are able to adjust their body temperature in order to survive. They are ectotherms (cold-blooded) animals) and must use heat from the sun to stay warm. However, a lot of North American species are able to freeze their body water in order to survive over winter; that’s impressive!
Habitat
Frogs are mainly freshwater animals although there are some that are reported to breed around brackish waters. However, you will not find any frogs living in sea or saltwater.
Frogs are found in every corner of the world apart from Antarctica so they have a very diverse range of habitats. Of course, being amphibians, they’ll always find areas where there is water nearby. The type of water they live in can be anything from lakes and rivers to ponds, streams, and even temporary bodies of water.
That said, there are some frogs that don’t live near bodies of water such as the water-holding frog from Australia that buries itself under the ground to get closer to moisture. There are plenty of North American species that also bury themselves under the substrate and some will even rest at the bottom of a pond over winter, freezing themselves from within.
You’ll find frogs in all kinds of environments from meadows and fields to open and closed forests as well as deserts and even on the tundra.
Diet
Frogs begin their lives as tadpoles and at this stage of life, they are herbivores that mainly feed on algae and other aquatic plant life. However, once they reach adulthood, frogs usually become carnivores although there are some omnivorous species.
Adult frogs commonly feed on insects and their larvae. This can include everything from ants, spiders, and beetles, to snails and flies. That said, there are some species of frog that prey on small mammals and many of those in North America are also known to eat other species of frogs. This is largely because most frogs are opportunists and will take what food is available.
When eating, a frog doesn’t chew its food so has to swallow it whole. This might be difficult if it wasn’t for their eyeballs which sink down and push the food into the throat!
Reproduction & Lifecycle
Breeding season for most frogs begins in the early spring although there are some species that will breed as early as January; this isn’t very common. Usually, frogs need the temperature to be above 41°F (5°C) for breeding but they can cope with much colder conditions than toads.
In general, most frog species reach sexual maturity between 1 to 3 years of age.
Reproduction
Male frogs will use a variety of calls, depending on the species in order to attract a mate. They have vocal sacs which they fill with air and then move back and forth in order to create chirping sounds.
Once frogs have found a mate, they will breed. The male holds the female in what is called amplexus where he uses a soft finger pad to hold his mate in place.
A female frog can produce hundreds or even thousands of eggs. These are soft and do not have a shell; they are sometimes called frogspawn. The female lays the eggs in water, among vegetation for protection, where they will develop for a few weeks before hatching into tadpoles.
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis refers to the change that tadpoles undergo before turning into fully-fledged adult frogs.
During this process, which takes around 14 weeks, the tail is absorbed and legs begin to grow. The tadpole will also adapt how it breathes, moving from the use of gills to a proper set of lungs. Moreover, changes take place within the digestive system in preparation for the upcoming carnivorous diet.
Lifespan
On average, frogs can live anywhere between two and ten years in the wild but this varies between species. It’s also worth noting that many individuals don’t make it past the tadpole stage as at this point, they are very vulnerable to predators.
The lifespan for frogs kept in captivity is significantly longer and there are some that could live up to 20 or 30 years.
Frogs vs. Toads – What are the Differences?
Many people see frogs and toads as the same animals but this isn’t strictly true. In fact, it can be quite confusing since all toads are frogs but not all frogs are types of toads; stay with me!
When I say that, I mean that all frogs and toads belong to the anura family but there are actually only 500 species of true toad.
Where frogs require water, toads are able to live in much drier conditions. For this reason, you’ll notice that their legs are much stumpier whereas frogs have longer, more slender legs for swimming.
Additionally, the skin of frogs is much smoother and moister which is another characteristic suited to their aquatic nature. On the other hand, toads have rougher, warty skin that’s quite dry.
If you look at a toad’s face, you’ll notice that the eyes are much smaller whereas frogs have those classic bulging eyes. Toads also have poison glands located behind the eyes whereas frogs do not.
When it comes to feeding, frogs have long, sticky tongues which they use to catch their prey. However, toads do not have this and so have to approach their prey and gobble it up at close range.
Egg laying is also different between the two species with frogs laying clusters of eggs whereas toads tend to lay in more of a chain formation.
How Frogs Brave the Winter Chill
Most species of frog will hibernate during the winter but how they do this varies by species. Frog hibernation is super interesting and as the frogs enter into this dormant state, their bones begin to form new rings. This happens every year so determining the age of a frog is very similar to how we would age a tree!
But what’s really fascinating about frog hibernation is that some frogs will literally freeze themselves! Species like the wood frog will freeze up to 65% of their body water and sit at the bottom of a body of water, lying in a dormant state, waiting for the spring to arrive. What’s more, any unfrozen body liquid is protected through a glucose boost, essentially meaning that the frog can create its own antifreeze!
There are other species of frog that won’t behave this way in winter but that will go into the water and spend their days moving very slowly around the bottom.
Ground-dwelling frogs often spend their winters buried under the substrate. However, there are some species that are not adept at burying themselves and so will find other places to hide such as abandoned burrows and crevices in the rocks. Even if they freeze, those that have natural antifreeze abilities are able to survive temperatures far below freezing.
When the weather improves and spring arrives, the frog’s body will thaw out and everything goes back to normal. This is truly one of the most wondrous things in nature.
Common Frog Species in North America
With over 100 frog species found across North America, let’s explore some of the most interesting frogs and uncover all about their habitats and distinctive traits.
1. American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
American bullfrogs are one of the most common species in North America and are rounded, plump frogs that grow up to around 1.1 lbs (500 grams). One of the reasons they are so abundant is their ability to adapt to change which also means that they are under no current threat.
Appearance
The American bullfrog can come in a variety of colors including dark khaki, bright green, and even yellow. Most individuals have brown markings around the back legs. They typically grow to around 4.3 inches (11 cm) and have distinct rounded eardrums behind their eyes. Although these are larger in males.
Habitat & Distribution
The bullfrog, as it is most often called, is native to eastern parts of North America including the USA and Canada. However, the species is absent from Florida, South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
It can be found in almost any body of freshwater, including temporary ones. Although they prefer shallow, still waters that are slightly warm.
Diet
Bullfrogs are not fussy eaters and will typically prey on anything they can. This includes a variety of fish species, snakes, mice, and even other frogs.
2. Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Wood frogs are one of the most fascinating species of frog in North America. They are able to handle extremely cold conditions down to below freezing. In winter, much of their body will turn to ice and any unfrozen bodily fluids will be protected with additional glucose which acts as a kind of antifreeze.
Appearance
One of the most distinguishing features of the wood frog is the black mask over its eyes. The rest of the body can be brown, reddish brown, or beige and below their mask is usually a white stripe. These are small frogs that grow to around 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) although the females are slightly larger than the males.
Habitat & Distribution
Wood frogs prefer swamps and bog where they can breed in the cold water. They’ll favor close canopy forests and are often found in cool, moist ravines. However, in winter, they will move upland in preparation to hibernate in bodies of water.
Typically this species is found in northern parts of the continent including Alaska and Canada. They are also common in Appalachia and other forested areas in the North East of the United States.
Diet
Wood frogs are omnivores and can often be found feeding on algae. The meat-based part of their diet may consist of things like insects, tadpoles, and invertebrates found on the forest floor.
3. Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
If you’re familiar with the northern leopard frog then there’s probably a nostalgic reason for this; these are the most commonly used frogs for high school dissections. They’re also very commonly seen in the wild and have a striking appearance that makes them a favorite for many.
In spring, you’ll hear the males making long, snoring calls and shortly after, up to 6500 eggs are laid during breeding season!
Appearance
Northern leopard frogs have black or brown spots all over the body that are outlined with an iridescent yellow to green line. Unlike the poisonous pickerel frog, the markings on the northern leopard frog are rounded rather than square.
They’re mid-sized frogs that grow to around 2.8 inches (7 cm) but the females are typically larger. You can also tell the males apart by their enlarged thumbs that occur during breeding season.
Habitat & Distribution
Out of all North American frogs, the northern leopard is one of the most diverse in terms of habitat. While it can be found in forests or wooded areas, it will also frequent marsh and brushlands. They prefer slow-moving water and can often be found in meadows and on agricultural land.
These frogs are found pretty much all over the USA. However, while they used to be one of the most common species, it has been noted that their numbers have declined since the 70s.
Diet
Northern leopard frogs are primarily herbivores feeding on things like algae. However, they will filter or scrape small animal matter from the water and feed on this as well.
4. Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
While some frogs spend equal time out of the water as they do in, the green frog is a mainly aquatic species. This species is known to go into a state of dormancy over winter and it’ll sit at the bottom of the water until the weather warms up around March when they emerge in preparation for breeding in April.
Appearance
Green frogs have long legs and a pointed snout. It is this snout that can be used to distinguish them from bullfrogs, with which they are commonly confused. These frogs are usually green to brown in color and have black or brown mottled markings. When the legs are folded, these markings line up and appear as stripes. Fully grown green frogs are usually around 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in length.
Habitat & Distribution
The green frog is always found in and around bodies of water. This may include marshes, ponds, and lakes but some have been recorded around streams.
They’re limited to the southeastern and central United States in areas as far north as southern Maryland and Delaware, all the way down to Florida and Texas.
Diet
Green frogs are happy to eat a range of foods and don’t have anything in particular in mind when it comes to hunting. They’ll prey on insects and snails as well as small snakes and have even been known to eat other frogs.
5. Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans)
The northern cricket frog gets its name from its diet, although it is much more varied and complex than just crickets and grasshoppers. These are a small species of frog that are native to North America and that produce a sound that mimics pebbles being banged together. This is typically performed by the males during mating season.
Appearance
Northern cricket frogs only grow to between 0.7 inches and 1.5 inches (1.8 cm and 3.8 cm) so they’re one of the smaller species on this list. However, they tend to grow larger in drier conditions.
These frogs have a triangular marking on their head and can be green, gray, or brown in color, usually with a blotchy pattern. These frogs also have bumpy, textured skin and white markings running from the eye to the leg.
Habitat & Distribution
While northern cricket frogs are not of any concern according to the IUCN Red List, the numbers are declining in the northwestern parts of their range. They are found from Mexico in Central America, all the way through the United States and up into Canada.
These frogs inhabit various regions including coastal areas of Texas as well as inland regions in Virginia. They can be found in forests and grasslands and even some arid regions, showing how they are easily able to adapt to varying conditions.
Diet
Northern cricket frogs will feed on a variety of foods depending on what is available. They’re more likely to prey on ground species like spiders and larger individuals may also eat butterflies, damselflies, and crickets.
6. Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)
Southern cricket frogs are amazing in that they are able to jump extreme distances. In fact, these little critters can move upwards as far as 60 times their own body length making them one of the best amphibian jumpers.
Appearance
While many frog species have smooth skin, the southern cricket frog has a much more warty and bumpy texture. They can come in a wide range of colors from black and brown to red or gray with a striped marking down the center.
The southern cricket frog is one of the smaller species of North American frog growing to around 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) max.
Habitat & Distribution
As its name suggests, the southern cricket frog can be found in southerly parts of North America, most notably the southeastern parts of the United States including the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
These are actually members of the tree frog family but southern cricket frogs tend to spend more time on the ground than they do arboreally. They enjoy meadows and grassy areas where there are shallow bodies of water and when the conditions are right, they’ll become one of the most common species.
Diet
When in the tadpole stage, these frogs, like many others, are exclusive herbivores. However, as adults, they are insectivores that prey on a wide range of creatures which they’ll wait for patiently before ambushing.
7. Mink Frog (Lithobates septentrionalis)
Mink frogs may be attractive to look at but you wouldn’t want to touch one. They give off an odor that’s similar to the smell of rotting onions. This is a protective adaptation as no predator is going to want to go near them when they smell that bad!
Appearance
The mink frog can be green, brown, or olive in color and it has uniform mottled brown markings all over its back. The species can be identified because of the bright green markings around the mouth.
These are small frogs that get to around 3 inches (7.6 cm) maximum although it’s common for them to be as small as 1.9 inches (4.8 cm).
Habitat & Distribution
Mink frogs are primarily an aquatic species and therefore are usually found in water, such as ponds. However, they have been known to exit the water and spend time in forested areas when the conditions are damp enough.
They are found in northern parts of the United States such as New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well as being distributed in Canada up to southern Manitoba. However, sadly, there has been a decline in numbers and some studies have shown that mink frog deformities are becoming more common.
Diet
The mink frog will wait for insects like spiders, beetles, and flies to land on the lily pads in their ponds before ambushing them. They’ll also use these lily pads as a way of escaping from potential predators.
8. Northern Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla)
The northern Pacific tree frog is a small species of frog that is an excellent climber thanks to the sticky pads on its feet. In its native regions, this is the most abundant species of frog.
Appearance
One of the most distinct features of the northern Pacific tree frog are its large, sticky toe pads which it uses to cling onto vegetation and for climbing. These are not large frogs although the females are a little bigger than the males and don’t usually get to more than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
These frogs are usually green in color but can range from this to brown with dark markings on the legs and a light-colored underbelly. You will also notice a black stripe that runs across the head and over the eye.
What’s interesting is that these frogs have the ability to change their color to adapt to their surroundings. This is affected by things like temperature and moisture levels.
Habitat & Distribution
You’ll find these frogs in the Pacific northwestern parts of North America. This includes British Columbia in Canada, all the way down to California in the United States.
They prefer to live around streams, ponds, swamps and other bodies of water. Despite their name, these frogs actually spend more time on the ground than they do in the trees.
Diet
Northern Pacific tree frogs are insectivores and, like many other species of frog, will feed on things like ants, spiders, beetles, and flies. In some cases, these frogs are known to prey on insects that are almost the same size as them. Even more bizarre is that they do this without even chewing their food; it’s down the hatch in one!
9. Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)
Southern leopard frogs look exactly what one might imagine a frog to look like. They are incredibly abundant in the United States particularly in Florida and are small frogs that live in natural water sources as well as man-made bodies of water such as canals.
Appearance
Much like its northern cousin, the southern leopard frog has dark black markings on a green to brown body. These are quite large frogs that can get up to 5.1 inches (13 cm) as adults.
On either side of the frog, you’ll notice a whitish/yellow ridge that runs the length of its body and in males, the limbs are slightly larger.
Habitat & Distribution
The southern leopard frog is the most abundant species of frog in Florida and it is very common in other southern areas of the United States. However, it can be found all over the US, particularly in California. While not native to the Bahamas, this species has now been introduced here.
In terms of habitat, these frogs prefer freshwater but they will sometimes lay eggs in brackish waters. In the summer, they’ll stray away from aquatic environments, wandering as far as 3.1 miles (5 km) in search of grass cover.
Diet
Southern leopard frogs start their lives as herbivores, feeding on algae. However, as adults, they move to an insect diet and mainly feed on arthropods.
10. Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Spring peepers get their name from the peeping sound that they make. However, you’ll usually hear them more than you’ll see them as they’re a species that likes to remain well hidden. Not only this, but they’re such small frogs that often stay among the leaf litter to remain well camouflaged.
Appearance
The spring peeper is a small species of North American frog that doesn’t usually grow to more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) and the males are usually slightly smaller.
You can also tell males and females apart because the females have lighter coloration and a white chin where males have a black chin. Body color can range between dark brown and beige but there is usually a darker X-shaped marking along the back.
Habitat & Distribution
Spring peepers are found only in the eastern parts of North America with a range from southeast Manitoba down to Florida and Texas.
The preferred habitat of these frogs are swampy lowlands but they can also be found in marshy woodlands. When it comes to breeding, they can usually be found in small ponds but they prefer ponds where there are little to no fish.
Diet
The spring peeper is an insectivore and rather than choosing its food based on preference, it will typically opt for foods of the most appropriate size. This can include everything from spiders and beetles to various species of flies and ants.
11. Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)
The boreal chorus frog is a small species of frog that was once thought to be the same as the western chorus frog in places like Quebec. They’re also commonly confused with the Pacific tree frog and the spring peeper.
Appearance
Boreal chorus frogs do not grow very large and are usually no more than 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length. While they can come in other colors, these frogs are almost always brown with three dorsal stripes. However, these stripes cannot be relied upon for identification as they can sometimes be incredibly faint. You may also notice a white stripe along the upper lip.
Habitat & Distribution
Boreal chorus frogs are found across Canada and down into central parts of the United States. It is here that they are often confused with the western chorus frog as their range overlaps.
Where habitat is concerned, these frogs enjoy forest areas but in the most northerly parts of their range, may be found on tundra.
They spend time in the water where there are no fish present but can also be found in flooded fields, swamps, and meadows.
Diet
The boreal chorus frog is mainly an insectivore and it will feed on a variety of creatures including flies, beetles, spiders, and ants.
12. Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
The western chorus frog is not a frog you will see very often as it’s one of the most secretive on this list. Outside of breeding season, it’s unlikely you’ll see one and despite being part of the tree frog family, it’s not often they will climb.
Appearance
The western chorus frog is a small species that only gets to around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. Males are usually smaller and have yellow vocal sacs which makes it easy to sex this species.
They have smooth skin that can be green to brown in color and usually have three gray to brown stripes down the back. The underside of the frog is much lighter, usually white, in color and may have flecked gray markings.
Habitat & Distribution
These frogs prefer grassy areas and can often be found in meadows and flooded fields. They like these temporary bodies of water for breeding and can typically be found here in mid-spring, around the month of May.
Sadly, there is a significant decline in this frog species but scientists are yet to uncover why this is, especially since other local species are not suffering in the same way.
Diet
The diet of the western chorus frog consists of a range of insects including moths, beetles, and spiders. Juveniles may feed on smaller insects such as midges and mites.
13. Gray Tree Frog (Dryophytes versicolor)
The gray tree frog is an amazing species in that it can freeze and thaw its body. This ability, coupled with entering a dormant state, is what allows it to survive cold, harsh winters.
Appearance
Gray tree frogs, as their name suggests, mainly have gray coloration but some individuals can be white or green and all of these frogs have dark markings for camouflage along their backs. But what’s really interesting is that they are able to change their color to suit their surroundings although they do this much slower than other animals with this ability, like the chameleon.
They are small frogs that grow to no more than 2 inches (5 cm) in length and unlike a lot of frog species are not smooth but look more warty, like a toad.
Habitat & Distribution
While gray tree frogs lay their eggs in a variety of bodies of water, they spend a lot of time up to 33 feet (10 meters) off the ground. They can be found in forested areas as well as in swamps and are often seen on agricultural land.
The gray tree frog is found in the eastern part of the United States and extends well into Canada. It can endure freezing temperatures, entering a state of suspended animation. While specifics may vary, it can tolerate freezing its body water to around -8 °C (17.6 °F), allowing it to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Diet
You may see a gray tree frog near your home as they’re attracted to lights since it is here that many insects that form their diet will congregate. They enjoy things like spiders and mites but have been known to prey on other frogs since they are opportunists.
14. American Green Tree Frog (Dryophytes cinereus)
American green tree frogs can live up to 4 years in the wild but are commonly kept as pets where they may survive for up to 6 years when properly cared for. It’s currently not known how many are in the wild but numbers are high enough for them to be considered of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Appearance
As their name suggests, American green tree frogs are largely green in color but this can range from a very bright green to a reddish brown. The underside is usually much lighter, often white in color.
These frogs are a mid-sized species that can grow anywhere between 1.2 to 2.6 inches (3 to 6.6 cm) and as with many other species, it’s usually the females that get the largest. Although larger males are usually more successful when mating owing to their more prominent mating call.
Habitat & Distribution
The American green tree frog is the state amphibian of both Georgia and Louisiana although its range extends far outside of these regions. These frogs can be found across the central and southeastern United States.
Their preferred habitat is in areas of open canopy forest although they can also be found in grassy areas, prairies, and marshes. When in the trees, they tend to stick to lower branches.
Diet
The diet of the American green tree frog is carnivorous and they will feed on a wide range of insects. However, they are also the common prey of animals like lizards, snakes, otters, and raccoons.
15. River Frog (Lithobates heckscheri)
River frogs are among some of the largest species of frog in North America and even the tadpoles can get extremely large before reaching adulthood. However, despite their size, they are completely harmless to humans. In fact, they are one of the most important amphibious pest controllers for humans, often eating insects that would otherwise get in our way.
Appearance
As I have mentioned, the river frog is a large species and it can get as big as 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length. These frogs have wrinkled skin that is usually green to brown in color. They will typically have brown to black flecked markings and a lighter underbelly. If you’re looking for an easy way to identify these frogs then check the lips where you should see white spots.
Habitat & Distribution
While this species is called the river frog, it can be found in other bodies of water and habitats. They can be found in swamps, ponds, lakes and streams but prefer areas where vegetation is sparse along the shoreline.
The river frog is endemic to the southeastern part of the United States in places such as Mississippi, the Carolinas, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Diet
While the river frog is mainly insectivorous, it will sometimes prey on other frogs provided they are the right size for it to eat.
16. Canyon Tree Frog (Dryophytes arenicolor)
In their native regions, canyon tree frogs are among some of the most commonly spotted types of frogs. They may be called tree frogs but you’re more likely to find them hiding among the rocks to keep out of the summer heat.
Appearance
The canyon tree frog is perhaps one of the cutest amphibians on this list with large eyes and an almost smiling face. The coloration can range between brown, gray, and green as these frogs are designed for camouflage among the rocky terrain in which they live. They are small-sized frogs that normally grow to around 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
Habitat & Distribution
The species of frog is native to parts of Mexico including Oaxaco, Mexico, and Guerrero as well as some of the southern United States including New Mexico and Arizona.
The canyon tree frog can be found in rocky areas where they will often be seen sitting atop a boulder above the water. While they may be called tree frogs, they spend far more time on the ground but are always found where there is a pond or other water source nearby. You’ll usually hear the males making their loud calls shortly after sunset.
Diet
Like many other species of frogs, the canyon tree frog enjoys a diet that consists mainly of insects. These may include flies, spiders, ants, and beetles.
17. Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri)
Rio Grande leopard frogs are native to a very specific part of North America and are a beautiful looking species. They are mainly nocturnal animals but can sometimes be seen to be active during the day.
One of the most interesting things about these frogs is how loud they are. When the males make their call, it’s possible to hear them as far as a quarter of a mile away!
Appearance
The Rio Grande leopard frog looks similar in appearance to other species of leopard frog with rounded black markings all over the back. The skin is brown to green in color and the frogs may grow anywhere between 2.2 inches to 4.5 inches (5.6 cm to 11.4 cm).
Habitat & Distribution
This species of frog is found in nearctic areas from Texas and New Mexico in the United States down into Mexico where it almost reaches neotropical regions.
Rio Grande leopard frogs prefer to live in and around streams but are also found in ponds and rivers. They can also be found out of the water in savannahs, grasslands, deserts, and woods. They are very easily able to adapt to changing temperatures and climates.
Diet
The Rio Grande leopard frog is an opportunist hunter that isn’t fussy about what it eats. What’s more, their diet tends to vary by what food is available during each season. However, insects make up the main portion of their diet.
18. Barking Tree Frog (Hyla gratiosa)
As you can probably guess from its name the barking tree frog is a noisy little critter. The call resembles a loud barking sound and the species can often be heard chorusing with other species. They are small coastal frogs that are easy to distinguish from other species thanks to many unique characteristics.
Appearance
The barking tree frog is a mid-sized species that typically gets to between and 2 and 2.8 inches (5 and 7.1 cm) in length. They usually have a bright green colored skin with distinct round, black markings and flecks of yellow which makes them very easy to identify. The toe pads are rounded and very prominent which is another identifying feature.
Habitat & Distribution
Unlike many other species of tree frog that can be found on the ground, the barking tree frog stands true to its name and spends a lot of time high in the trees. However, it will descend to enter the water at ponds and streams and will also bury itself in moist ground when the weather is dry.
They are common along coastal plains in areas such as Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky although populations have also now been introduced to the southern parts of New Jersey.
Diet
The diet of the barking tree frog is incredibly varied since these are greedy little opportunists with no real preference over what they eat. However, while they may feed on a variety of insects, crickets are their most common food owing to the availability.
19. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi)
The Blanchard’s cricket frog is a small species that can be found throughout the Midwest United States. During the breeding season, they will seek out still waters but at other times of the year may be found elsewhere. In winter, they need to find suitable hideouts since they are not tolerant of freezing temperatures.
Appearance
The color of the Blanchard’s cricket frog can vary between gray, tan, brown, and olive and some individuals may have scattered markings in red or black. The skin has a warty appearance and most individuals will have a triangular mark between their eyes. They are small frogs that rarely grow any larger than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
Habitat & Distribution
The Blanchard’s cricket frog is common throughout the American Midwest. It is not considered to be a threatened or endangered species overall but there are concerns for the numbers within parts of its range.
These frogs like shallow bodies of water such as streams and ponds and are therefore rarely found in rivers or lakes. They like shorelines with a lot of vegetation and tend to go for muddier areas. It’s very rare that they’ll stray far from the water and they are considered to be the most aquatic species of frog in North America.
Diet
The diet of the Blanchard’s cricket frog includes a variety of terrestrial and aquatic insects. Although there is a lot of diversity in their diet as they are opportunistic hunters.
20. Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)
The pickerel frog is the only poisonous species of frog from North America with a very distinct appearance that is often confused with the leopard frog. While they are poisonous, they produce this poisonous secretion from their skin, and it isn’t overly harmful to humans and usually causes nothing more than mild to moderate irritation.
Appearance
Pickerel frogs have a very distinct appearance with brown spots that are lined in two rows. The main part of the body can be silverish or beige and on the underside of the legs, the skin is usually orange or yellow. They are medium-sized frogs that don’t normally get much larger than 3 inches (7.6 cm).
Habitat & Distribution
You’ll find the pickerel frog in many areas of North America, as far up as Nova Scotia and all the way down to Texas, in the United States. While they are found in many states, there can be significant gaps in their distribution particularly in regions of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
These frogs enjoy a variety of habitats including cool woodland streams. However, those that live in the south prefer warmer waters and coastal plains. However, they will also explore grassy areas, especially in the summer.
Diet
The diet of the pickerel frog consists of invertebrates and insects. While adults are carnivores, as tadpoles, this species is herbivorous.
21. Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)
The red-legged tree frog doesn’t have a huge range so it’s one of the less common North American frogs. As of 1995, it was named a threatened species due to things like the predation of eggs by the bullfrog. They tend to breed early in the year with some spawning as soon as January.
Appearance
Red-legged tree frogs are medium-sized amphibians that can grow up to 3.9 inches (10 cm) in length. The skin is usually reddish in color which is where the frog takes its name but some individuals may be gray and may also have poorly defined markings that are darker than the rest of the frog.
Habitat & Distribution
Northern red-legged frogs like areas of still or slow moving water where there is a lot of riparian vegetation. This allows them to keep cool and also provides them with excellent shelter especially during the winter months.
They can be found mainly in the state of California although one subspecies does extend its range up into British Columbia. It prefers coastal or mountainous regions.
Diet
The northern red-legged frog is one of the least fussy eaters on this list and will prey on anything that takes its fancy. This might include insects, small mammals and even other species of frogs.
22. Ornate Chorus Frog (Pseudacris ornata)
The ornate chorus frog is one of the most mysterious frogs in North America and not much is known about it. This is because they spend most of their time hiding away and are only really seen after rain during the winter.
Appearance
Ornate chorus frogs are small amphibians that rarely get much bigger than 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length. Their skin may be anywhere from white or gray to green and black and they have very stout bodies. These frogs have several distinct markings including spots at the lower back and stripes along their sides. Some individuals may also have a triangular marking on the head although this isn’t seen in all specimens.
Habitat & Distribution
These frogs are mainly found along southern coastal plains and prefer pine savannas and woodland ponds. They can also be found in flooded fields and other areas particularly after the tadpoles hatch. That said, they’ll also seek out areas with a lot of vegetation cover for breeding.
The ornate chorus frog is very common in Florida but can be found as far north as Delaware and as far west as Louisiana.
Diet
Ornate chorus frogs are, like many other species of frogs, insectivores. They mainly prey on larvae and worms as well as other small insects.
23. Cope’s Gray Tree Frog (Dryophytes chrysoscelis)
While there are some uncanny similarities between the gray tree frog and Cope’s gray tree frog, they are different species. That said, it would be almost impossible to tell them apart for a layman. These are small frog species that have a pretty, musical call.
Appearance
As I have mentioned, Cope’s gray tree frog is almost indistinguishable from the gray tree frog. It has grayish skin although coloration can vary between this, green, and brown as well as most individuals having some kind of black markings. The skin is also textured and warty. The general coloration of these frogs is affected by the environment.
In terms of size, these are small frogs that usually get anywhere between 1.2 and 2 inches (3 and 5 cm) in length.
Habitat & Distribution
Cope’s gray tree frogs can be found in wooded areas but are always close to a body of water such as a pond, stream, swamp, or lake. During winter, this species will hibernate on land but in summer, it’ll spend much of its time hiding out in rotten logs to stay cool so it’s not commonly seen.
Diet
Tadpoles have a plant based diet and will also filter feed on the bottom of ponds. However, when they reach maturity, these frogs eat a variety of insects and insect larvae including spiders, moths, and even snails.
Threats Facing North American Frog Populations
Around the world, around 30% of all species of amphibian are currently under threat and this includes as many as 14 of the North American species of frogs. And the rate at which they are declining is alarming. It’s thought that species like the spring peeper are declining at around 2.7% annually and experts predict that this could half the current population in as little as 27 years.
So what is it that is causing these threats to North American frogs? Let’s take a closer look.
Pollution
Frogs are pretty delicate creatures, especially their skin. However, since they spend most of their time in water, this can be a problem since many of the world’s water sources are contaminated by pollution.
Humans use an alarming number of chemicals for both commercial farming and in domestic situations. While you might not think it, the run off from these can end up in streams, rivers, lakes, and other water sources meaning that frogs are faced with problems like reproductive issues, weakened immune systems, increased metamorphosis times, and even death.
Habitat Loss
Frogs live in a variety of habitats including wetlands, swamps, and marshes. However, these are under threat because of human development. Things like agricultural, housing developments, and the draining of wetlands for cattle grazing are all serious problems.
As the frogs’ habitat decreases, they are more likely to enter into urban areas and many frogs are becoming fatalities on the roads which run through where their habitat used to be.
Climate Change
Being cold blooded, frogs’ body temperature changes according to their surroundings. What’s more, their skin needs to stay moist but both of these things can be difficult as a result of climate change. It’s been cited that frogs are among the most vulnerable animals where climate change is concerned as just minute changes can have significant impacts on them.
Moreover, some species of frog are being forced out of their natural habitat in order to find suitable places to lay their eggs. However, there is a limit to this and they will reach a point where there’s nowhere else for them to go.
Invasive Species
It is thought that invasive species are one of the biggest threats to frogs in North America. This is because they are being released or escaping into the wild and quickly establishing populations. When they do this, they quickly take over the resources, leaving very little for native frogs.
One of the most problematic species in the bullfrog which is an incredibly successful amphibian whose numbers are thriving. That might seem like good news, and it is when they stay in their own habitat. However, these frogs are spreading far outside of their native zones and that’s where problems begin.
And it isn’t just a problem in North America. Down Under in Australia, the cane toad has become one of the country’s biggest natural problems with enormous numbers of these animals proving themselves as pests and messing with the balance of the local ecosystem.
Disease
Some of the invasive species are bringing diseases that affect native frogs. But this isn’t the only cause of the problem. Frog chytrid disease is a fungal infection that has proved devastation to frog populations. What’s worse is that humans have been known to inadvertently spread it, making the problem worse. It’s so serious that the disease has already wiped out as many as 90 frog species.
Another disease that commonly affects frog populations is ranavirus. This is a double-stranded DNA virus which can affect a variety of cold-blooded animals. It’s so deadly that it’s already been responsible for mass mortality events in as many as 25 US states.
Supporting Frogs in Your Community
It would be devastating to see the demise of our frog species but there are plenty of things that we can do to protect these animals.
1. Avoid Using Pesticides, Herbicides, or Insecticides
When we use chemicals on our lawns, these are soaked up and enter the water table. Any chemicals we flush down our drains can also enter into local water sources and this is a problem for frogs. Therefore, where possible, I suggest avoiding the use of chemicals and opting for more natural solutions.
This is also positive for humans since things like pesticides not only upset amphibian development but can also cause health problems in humans such as cancer.
2. Create a Pond
As we know, frogs are amphibious creatures so while they can survive on land, they also need water. All species of frogs lay their eggs in water so it’s essential they have easy access to this. By installing a garden pond, you will be creating a safe place for frogs to live and breed.
If you don’t have the space to put an entire pond, just a small ground-level bird bath will be enough to welcome frogs in search of moisture.
3. Provide Cover
It is possible to attract local frogs to your garden and provide them with a safe place to live and breed. These animals aren’t only found in wild, remote places; many have moved to urban and suburban spots owing to a loss of natural habitat.
Do your bit to help native frogs by ensuring there is plenty of cover and shelter in your yard. You can do this with plants but also by using things like log piles, rockeries, brush piles and even removing your lawn in favor of plants.
4. Keep Pets Away
Cats and dogs are curious creatures and, if they spot a frog, they may see it as a plaything or even a meal. For this reason, it’s really important to keep your pets away from frogs. If you have an area in your garden specifically designed for frogs then it’s best not to allow your pets near it. Moreover, if you notice frogs in your garden, perhaps keep your cat or dog indoors until they are gone.
5. Plant Natives
Native wildlife requires native plants so it’s really important that we ensure our local frogs have the vegetation they need to survive. While frogs don’t usually eat plants, having native species means attracting an abundance of insects which these frogs do feed on. The more native plants you have, the more food sources will be available.
On top of this, lots of native vegetation means better shelter for frogs. Most species appreciate a lot of moist cover so the more plants you can have in your garden, the better.
6. Protect Local Wetlands
Habitat loss is a serious issue for frogs and it’s down to all of us to protect our local wetlands, ensuring these creatures have the space they need to live and breed. Where you can, take part in drives and campaigns to protect your local wetlands.
