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What Species Is It? Identifying Frogs and Toads by Sight

Have you ever seen a frog or toad outside and wanted to know kind it was? Were you unsure about how to figure it out?

Question:

I found what could be a frog or toad while walking outside, but I don't know the species. What should I look out for next time so I can properly identify it in the field or when I come home again? Thanks!

USFWS - Drost

Answer:

Thank you so much for your question! Wherever possible it is best to identify a frog by its call like you do when you are conducting your Frogwatch USA monitoring surveys or are out for a stroll. This can be done easily and accurately, without disturbing the species or their habitat. However, since only male frogs and toads call regularly and distinctly, and most call in the evening during their breeding season, it is also helpful to be able to identify species when you see them as well as when you hear them.

In the Field:

If you come across a species that you do not recognize, take special note of the following:

• Approximate size of the animal
• Type of skin (bumpy, smooth)
• Coloration or markings (stripes, shape of spots, mask)
• Distinctive features (toe pads, dorsolateral ridge)

If at all possible, jot down some notes and/or take a photograph of the frog or toad. This way you can compare your notes and photo to examples found online or in an amphibian field guide.

USFWS - Ryan Hagerty

Back at Home:

Visit the list of frogs and toads in your state on the Frogwatch USA website. Read the description provided for each species and take a close look at the photographs provided online.

Photos can be useful in identification but remember that the coloration of both frogs and toads is extremely variable. It is not uncommon for the same kind of frog to be green in some cases and brown or gray in others.

So, in addition to coloration, try to match up the size and distinctive features of the species. Narrow down the possibilities until there is just one… and voila! You've just identified your mystery species!

Give this a try the next time you see a species that you are not familiar with. And remember, you can always ask Amy at Frogwatch USA by emailing us at frogwatch@nwf.org.

USFWS- Jane M Rohling

Do you have questions about the frogs or toad in your local area or how you can help protect their habitat? Email Frogwatch USA at frogwatch@nwf.org and Ask Amy!

Full List of Ask the Expert Answers:

Flowerpot Full of Frog Eggs
Frog Calls on Your Calendar
More Frogs in Your Future?
What Species is This?
From Tadpole to Frog