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The difference between Frogs and Toads
All toads are frogs. Despite popular opinion, there is no
distinct evolutionary branch that contains just toads. We
call a frog a "toad" because we identify it as being more
adapted for living on land than the more wet habitats in
which "frogs" reside. Toads generally have more earthy
colors, thick, rough, bumpy skin with patterns that hide
them well in forest debris. Some toads even have bony
"spades" on their feet for better burrowing in the dirt or
sand. While these characteristics may seem to fall under a
new branch on the evolutionary tree, the truth is that many
different toads actually evolved these adaptations
separately from one another. Toads are scattered across
branches rather than on a single one. Making the word "toad"
a description rather than a classification.
Frogs as environmental indicators
Frogs are amphibians, animals that metamorphosize from
water-breathing juveniles to air-breathing adults. Since
they are stuck in the evolutionary path between fully
aquatic and fully terrestrial, they share many of the
characteristics of both. Frogs and tadpoles have soft,
porous skin that absorbs oxygen from the air and water that
surrounds them, helping them compensate for
less-than-perfectly evolved lungs. Unfortunately, their skin
also absorbs pollutants very easily. Certain pollutants,
such as heavy metals, accumulate in the body over time and
some can cause DNA damage. Other pollutants can cause
developmental problems. Since frogs go through a complicated
metamorphosis from tadpole to adult frog, chemicals can
interfere with that transformation and cause deformities or
death. Fertilizer runoff can cause algae blooms and promote
parasite growth. Parasites infect developing tadpoles,
causing deformities. An abundance of frogs with multiple
legs, deformed appendages or missing limbs is a sign of
possible pollution in the area. Scientists can survey frog
developmental deformities to help gauge the environmental
health of a pond or stream.
Poisonous frogs
There are some tropical frogs that secrete dangerous toxins
through their skin. They are toxic to eat and touch, even
through secondary contact. Luckily, we don't have those
poisonous frogs here. The Eastern Spadefoot
and Pickerel do secrete toxins,
but are generally harmless creatures that pose little threat
to humans and large animals. Through general contact there
may be some skin or eye irritation that will subside in
time. One thing to be concerned about is small domestic
animals, such as cats and dogs consuming those species.
Although not deadly, it may cause illness. |
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Frogs Books / Audio CDs |
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Frogs and Toads of New York State -
Identification Guide |
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Eastern Spadefoot Toad
Scaphiopus holbrookii
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license information
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Identifying characteristics:
A small brown toad with large protruding eyes with vertical
pupils. Their eye color is gold and glow pink under flashlight at night,
making them easy to spot. Stemming from the eyes, an hourglass-shaped marking,
formed by light-colored lines, stretches down the back. They may also be
speckled with orange/reddish warts. The hind feet have a
sickle-shaped digging "spade" for burrowing.
Video1
Size: Average body length of 2 inches.
Habitat: Wooded areas with soft soil or sand to
burrow through. They spend most of their time
underground, coming up at night to feed.
Food: Carnivorous. Insects and earthworms.
Vocalization: Repetitive, low-pitched "errrrr."
Audio1,
Audio2
Reproduction: Breeds during times of
heavy rain and lays eggs in temporary pools. Tadpoles hatch
and mature quickly to beat the drying of the pools. Young
frogs migrate out by the thousands usually at the same time,
causing traffic problems in some areas.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. Skin is slightly toxic
to some animals. |
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Distribution
South-eastern portion of the state. From the
southern end of the Adirondacks through Long Island.
Status:
Status:
Special Concern in NY
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Eastern
American Toad
Bufo a. americanus
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license information |
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Identifying
characteristics: A stout, tan to red to brown body and
very noticeable warts. The skin is thick and dry (adapted
for living on land) and the warts can occur in or out of
dark spots on the skin (1-2 warts per dark spot). Large
bean-shaped paratoid glands, often distinguished by color
are on the back of the head. Across the head are 2
well-distinguished cranial crests above the eyes. Large
belly.
Size: Average body length of 3 inches.
Habitat: Prefers forests, wetlands or fields with
dense vegetation. Near permanent or semi-permanent
freshwater pond or pool (for reproduction). Can be
found nearly anywhere. Often found hiding under objects like
leaves, logs, lumber, barrels, etc.
Food: Carnivorous. Insects other invertebrates.
Vocalization: Long, high-pitched chirping trill. Audio1,
Video1
Reproduction: Breeds during times of rain
and lays eggs in the shallows of ponds or pools. Tadpoles
hatch and mature quickly.
Other Info.: Diurnal. To beat the summer heat
they
will often bury themselves in dirt. |
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Distribution
Common across NY state and surrounding
states.
Status:
common
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Fowler's Toad
Bufo fowleri
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license information
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Identifying characteristics:
Very similar to the Eastern American Toad. A stout, grey to
brown to olive body and very noticeable warts. The skin is
thick and dry (adapted for living on land) and the warts can
occur in or out of dark spots on the skin (3 or more warts
per dark spot). Large bean-shaped paratoid glands
touches the cranial crests in this species. It has a mid-dorsal,
lightly-colored stripe and less prominent cranial crest than
the American Toad.
Size: Average body length of 2 inches.
Habitat: Prefers forests, wetlands or fields with
dense vegetation. Near permanent or semi-permanent
freshwater ponds or pools (for reproduction). Often found
hiding under objects.
Food: Carnivorous. Insects and earthworms.
Vocalization: Long; high pitched; like a lamb;
"waaaaah"
Audio,
Video1
Reproduction: Breeds during times of rain
and lays eggs in the shallows of ponds or pools. Tadpoles
hatch and mature quickly.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. May breed with the
Eastern American Toad. |
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Distribution
South-eastern portion of the state. From the
southern end of the Adirondacks through Long Island.
Status:
common
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Gray Tree Frog
Hyla versicolor
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license information
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AKA: Gray treefrog;
Eastern gray treefrog; Common gray treefrog.
Identifying characteristics: Although color may vary based on immediate environment,
generally gray or green with black blotches and warts on its
back. The groin region is often yellowish orange with black
speckles. The hind legs have dark bands. The toes have large
pads for sticking to vertical surfaces. The eyes have small
light patches underneath. Moist skin. No warts.
Habitat: Arboreal. Trees in wooded areas near
permanent or semi-permanent freshwater pond or pool (for
reproduction). Often found in decaying trees the
during summer months. During breeding season, near water.
Food: Carnivorous. Insects, spiders and earthworms. May
eat other Gray tree frogs if food is scarce.
Vocalization: Short, high-pitch trill.
Video1,
Video2
Reproduction: They begin calling in March,
grouping near shallow
water, either on branches or along the shore. Eggs are
deposited in shallow water and tadpoles hatch a week later.
Juvenile tree frogs are generally bright green and stay close to
water.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. May shift colors based on its
immediate environment. |
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Distribution
Common across NY state and surrounding
states.
Status:
Common
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Northern Spring Peeper
Pseudacris c. crucifer
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license information |
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AKA: Spring peeper,
Chorus frog (incorrectly); Peeper
Identifying characteristics: A small, slender frog that is easily identified by the dark
cross on its back (hence the scientific name), though the
cross is diagonal and thus more resembles and X. They vary
in color, from rust to brown to grey to green and often have more
stripe-like markings in addition to the cross. Their skin is
smooth and their belly is cream-colored. Like other tree
frogs they have noticeable pads on their unwebbed
fingers/toes to help them stick to surfaces. Moist skin. No
warts.
Size: Average body length of less than 1.5 inches.
Habitat: Wooded areas near bodies of
temporary/permanent water. Often found in leaf
litter, but is a great climber and can also be found in
trees.
Food: Insectivorous. Small insects.
Vocalization: Short, high "peep." Usually
done in duets or trios. Often sounding like small bells.
Audio1,
Audio2
Reproduction: Named for their relatively early
breeding season. Breeds in early spring near ponds or
stagnant temporary pools in wooded areas. Eggs hatch quickly, but tadpoles take months to mature.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. On hot days they will dig
into soft mud to cool off. |
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Distribution
Common across NY state and surrounding
states.
Status:
Common
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Western
Chorus Frog
Pseudacris triseriata
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license information. |
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Identifying characteristics:
Often identified by a white stripe across the upper lip and
a thicker dark line that runs on each side from the
nose, through the eye and to the groin. More (usually
3) dark stripes or blotches may be present running
down the back. The body color is often light brown or reddish
brown to gray or olive with a cream belly. The skin is moist
and slightly bumpy. The toes have toe pads and no webbing. Moist
skin. No
warts.
Size: Average body length of 2 inches.
Habitat: Many damp areas, but primarily wetland
habitats. Require permanent/semi-permanent body of
water for reproduction.
Food: Insectivorous. Small insects.
Vocalization: A rising "cree-ee-eek"
Audio1,
Video1,
Video2
Reproduction: Calls begin in April. Females lay
eggs in ponds or pools. Tadpoles can take up to 2 weeks to
hatch and almost 3 months to become frogs.
Other Info.: Diurnal. Generally active both day
and night depending on temperature. |
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Distribution
Common in northern parts of western NY
Status:
Common
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American Bull Frog
Lithobates catesbeianus
(Rana catesbeiana)
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license information
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AKA: Bull frog; North
American bull frog; Bullfrog
Identifying characteristics: The largest frog in North America.
It varies in color from
brown to green and may have dark spots on the back. On the
sides of the head are large tympanic membranes (ear drums)
that look like circles. The belly is cream colored but may
be bright yellow in males during the breeding season. The
hind feet are webbed. Sometimes there are dark colored bands
or blotches on the hind legs. The skin is moist. The Bull
frog lacks prominent dorsolateral ridges that extend down
the sides of the back from the eyes.
Size: Average body length of 4-5 inches.
Habitat: Aquatic, requiring water such as a lake,
pond, stream, river or marsh. Warm, still waters with
abundant vegetation are preferred, but they can be found
anywhere.
Food: Carnivorous, opportunist. Will eat any animal
it can fit in its mouth. Including snakes, lizards and other
frogs.
Vocalization: A deep loud "rrr-rrr"
Audio1;
Video1;
Video2
Reproduction: Breeds throughout the spring and
summer, sometimes twice a year. Their eggs are laid in thin sheets
under water. Tadpoles take a long time to metamorphosize,
sometimes remaining tadpoles through the winter.
Other Info.: Generally nocturnal, but may be
active during the day throughout breeding season. May migrate
across land to locate a more suitable habitat. |
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Distribution
Common across NY and surrounding states.
Status:
Common
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Northern
Green Frog
Lithobates clamitans
(Rana clamitans melanota)
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license information
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AKA: Green frog;
Bronze frog
Identifying characteristics: These frogs resemble a small bullfrog, sharing similar
colors and pronounced tympanic membranes (ear drums) behind
the eyes. An easy way to tell them apart is to look for two
parallel skin folds or ridges (dorsolateral folds) that extend from the eye down
the sides of the back. The body varies in color from brown to green and may
have dark spots on the back. Some specimens may be brown
with partially or completely green heads. The belly is cream
colored but may be bright yellow in males during the
breeding season. The skin is moist.
Size: Average body length of 2-4 inches.
Habitat: Aquatic, requiring permanent water such as a lake,
pond, stream, river or marsh. Prefers abundant vegetation.
Food: Carnivorous, opportunist. Will eat any animal
it can fit in its mouth. Including small snakes, lizards and
other frogs.
Vocalization: A banjo-plucking "twang"
Video1;
Reproduction: Breeds throughout the summer.
The eggs take a few weeks to hatch. Olive-colored tadpoles
develop into frogs after several months.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. Very wary and difficult to
spot. They will often "yelp" when dashing away from
predators to warn others nearby. Tadpoles are slightly toxic
if consumed. |
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Distribution
Common across NY and surrounding states.
Status:
Common
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Mink Frog
Lithobates septentrionalis
(Rana septentrionalis)
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license information
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Identifying characteristics:
The color of this frog varies from green to brown, often
having both colors, with green more prominent on the head.
There is dark spotting or blotching present throughout the
back and legs, but the belly is cream or yellow. Often
mistaken for Green Frogs, the Mink Frog has less pronounced
dorsolateral folds (if at all), no banding on the
legs, and more developed hind foot webbing. Releases a foul
smell (of rotting onions) when handled. The skin is moist.
No prominent warts.
Size: Average body length of 2-3 inches.
Habitat: Aquatic, requiring permanent water such as a
lake, pond, bog or marsh. Vegetation, such as water lilies
or pickerel weed is preferred. Will traverse land if it is
damp enough.
Food: Carnivorous. Snails, insects, spiders.
Vocalization: A rapid "cut-cut-cut" that
almost sounds like the distant hammering of nails into wood.
Video1
Reproduction: Breeds later than most frogs.
Tadpoles
may take up to a year to develop into frogs.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. They are skittish and
difficult to spot. They spend a lot of time floating on water
lilies. They hibernate underwater. |
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Distribution
Distributed across north-eastern NY
(Adirondacks region)
Status:
Common |
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Wood Frog
Lithobates sylvaticus
(Rana sylvatica)
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license information
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Identifying characteristics:
Their color varies from shades of brown to olive to grey with
some mottling, to blend in well with forest debris. They
have black stripes on each side of the head that run from
their nose, through the eye and tympanic membrane stopping
at the shoulder. It looks similar to a robber's mask. Many
also have a white stripe across their upper lip. A
pronounced skin ridge (dorsolateral fold) may run from the
eye to the hind legs. The skin is moist.
Size: Average body length of 2 inches.
Habitat: Very tolerant of cold temperatures and can
withstand freezing. They spend their life in mixed habitats
of woodland, forested swamps, bogs and temporary
pools.
Food: Carnivorous. Snails, insects, spiders.
Vocalization: "Quacking"
Audio1;
Video1;
Video2
Reproduction: Breeding begins as soon as the
snow melts and meltwater produces pools. Reproducing in
temporary pools saves the young from hungry fish.
Other Info.: They hibernate in the forest under
debris and will often freeze solid and return to life when
thawed. |
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Distribution
Common across NY and northern states.
Status:
Common |
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Northern
Leopard Frog
Lithobates pipiens
(Rana pipiens)
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license information
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AKA:
Grass Frog, Meadow Frog, Spotted Frog.
Identifying characteristics: This green to brown frog is
easily identified by its large dark circular spots. These
spots are often surrounded by a thin lightly-colored line. Many
specimens
have a white stripe across their upper lip. They also have
lighter-colored dorsolateral ridges (skin folds) that run
from the eye to the hind legs. The belly is pale green or
cream-colored. Its toes are webbed. The skin is moist and
wart-less.
Size: Average body length of 3-4 inches.
Habitat: Aquatic, requiring permanent bodies of water
such as a lake, pond, stream, river or marsh with abundant
vegetation. They will often traverse meadows or wooded areas.
Food: Carnivorous. Snails, insects, spiders.
Vocalization: Low, throaty grunt.
Video1,
Video2
Reproduction: Breeding begins in spring and
tadpoles metamorphasize by the end of summer.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. They will often "yelp"
when dashing away from predators to warn others nearby. This
is the frog commonly used in classrooms for dissection. |
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Distribution
Common across NY and surrounding states.
Status:
Common |
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Pickerel Frog
Lithobates palustris
(Rana palustris)
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license information
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Identifying
characteristics: Similar in appearance to the Northern
Leopard Frog, but the dark brown spots on this frog look
like crudely drawn squares rather than circles. The spots are
also uniformly organized into 2 rows running in-between the
2 dorsolateral ridges (skin folds) that run down the sides
of the back. The undersides of the
Pickerel are generally yellow to orange. The body color is
usually tan or olive. The skin is moist and wart-less.
Size: Average body length of 2.5 inches.
Habitat: Aquatic, cool, running streams and springs.
Sometimes found in other wetland habitats.
Food: Carnivorous. Snails, insects, spiders.
Vocalization: Low-pitch, snore-like croak.
Audio1;
Video1
Reproduction: Breeding begins in early spring
and females lay eggs in ponds or pools. Tadpoles metamorphasize over a 3 month period.
Other Info.: Nocturnal. Hibernate in the silt or
mud at the bottom of ponds. Secretes a toxic chemical which
may kill other frogs and small animals and may irritate the
eyes and skin
of humans. |
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Distribution
Common across NY and surrounding states.
Status:
Common
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