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Frogs and Toads of Coastal South

CarolinaSavannah River Ecology Laboratory

Formatted by Tess Moody

Frogs and Toads of Coastal South

CarolinaSavannah River Ecology Laboratory

Formatted by Tess Moody

Green / Bronze Frog (Lithobates (Rana) clamitans) Description: A medium-sized frog: 7.5 to 12.5 cm (3 - 5 in), with dorso-lateral ridges that are well-defined, extending from the back of each eye down the back. The toes are extensively webbed and the second toe is longer than the first. Coloration is generally dark green but some individuals are more brown or yellow and all have small irregular black spots and a white to yellow ventrum. Specimens from cypress swamps are often very dark brown or almost black. Males often have a bright yellow throat and their tympanum is much larger than their eye (whereas the tympanum of females are about the same size as the eye).

Green / Bronze Frog (Lithobates (Rana) clamitans) Description: A medium-sized frog: 7.5 to 12.5 cm (3 - 5 in), with dorso-lateral ridges that are well-defined, extending from the back of each eye down the back. The toes are extensively webbed and the second toe is longer than the first. Coloration is generally dark green but some individuals are more brown or yellow and all have small irregular black spots and a white to yellow ventrum. Specimens from cypress swamps are often very dark brown or almost black. Males often have a bright yellow throat and their tympanum is much larger than their eye (whereas the tympanum of females are about the same size as the eye).

25

25

Green / Bronze Frog (Lithobates (R

ana) clamitans)- Ranidae

Green / Bronze Frog (Lithobates (R

ana) clamitans)- Ranidae

All information was gathered from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology website (except the Brimley’s Chorus Frog). For more information on herpetofauna in Georgia and South Carolina and to hear frog calls, visit: http://srelherp.uga.edu

Frog Calls and Quizzes: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/Frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

Brimley’s Chorus Frog Information: Dorcas and Gibbons. 2008. Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. University of Georgia Press.

Follow Tess Moody on social media: Facebook: Tess the Naturalist iNaturalist: tessthenaturalist Instagram: @tessthenaturalist

All information was gathered from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology website (except the Brimley’s Chorus Frog). For more information on herpetofauna in Georgia and South Carolina and to hear frog calls, visit: http://srelherp.uga.edu

Frog Calls and Quizzes: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/Frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

Brimley’s Chorus Frog Information: Dorcas and Gibbons. 2008. Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. University of Georgia Press.

Follow Tess Moody on social media: Facebook.com/tessthenaturalist iNaturalist: tessthenaturalist Instagram.com/tessthenaturalist

Southern Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris)

Description: The average body length of southern toads is 41-75 mm (1.6-2.9 in), although some individuals found on isolated island populations can reach 113 mm (4.4 in). Males are smaller than females, and typically have a darker throat during the breeding season. General coloration is usually brown but can vary to dark gray, blackish, or even brick red. Several dark spots or blotches are frequently present on the back and upper sides, each surrounding one or more warts. A light line extends partway down the middorsal of some southern toads, although it may be obscure or absent in others. The belly is grayish white, while the chest is spotted. The skin of these toads is dry and warty, and they have an elongated, enlarged parotoid gland behind each eye. High cranial crests extend from pronounced knobs and approach each other toward the snout. The distinctive knobs project upward in front of the parotoid glands, often giving the animal a horned appearance.

Photos by J.D. Willson unless otherwise noted

Southern Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris) - Bufonidae

Cranial Crests

Wart Pattern

Southern Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris)

Description: The average body length of southern toads is 41-75 mm (1.6-2.9 in), although some individuals found on isolated island populations can reach 113 mm (4.4 in). Males are smaller than females, and typically have a darker throat during the breeding season. General coloration is usually brown but can vary to dark gray, blackish, or even brick red. Several dark spots or blotches are frequently present on the back and upper sides, each surrounding one or more warts. A light line extends partway down the middorsal of some southern toads, although it may be obscure or absent in others. The belly is grayish white, while the chest is spotted. The skin of these toads is dry and warty, and they have an elongated, enlarged parotoid gland behind each eye. High cranial crests extend from pronounced knobs and approach each other toward the snout. The distinctive knobs project upward in front of the parotoid glands, often giving the animal a horned appearance.


Southern Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris) - Bufonidae

Cranial Crests

Wart Pattern

1

1

24

24

Carpenter Frog (Lithobates (Rana) virgatipes)

Description: The Carpenter Frog is a mid-sized frog, ranging from 1.6 -2.6 in (4.1-6.7 cm). It is generally brown or bronze in color with 4 light stripes down its back, and no dorsolateral ridges. Carpenter Frogs have short hind legs, making them somewhat toad-like in body shape and a venter that is white with black mottling.

Carp

ente

r Fr

og (

Lith

obat

es (

Ran

a) v

irga

tipe

s)-

Rani

dae

Carpenter Frog (Lithobates (Rana) virgatipes)

Description: The Carpenter Frog is a mid-sized frog, ranging from 1.6 -2.6 in (4.1-6.7 cm). It is generally brown or bronze in color with 4 light stripes down its back, and no dorsolateral ridges. Carpenter Frogs have short hind legs, making them somewhat toad-like in body shape and a venter that is white with black mottling.

Carp

ente

r Fr

og (

Lith

obat

es (

Ran

a) v

irga

tipe

s)-

Rani

dae



Oak Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) quercicus)

Description: Growing to only about 1.75 inches, oak toads are the smallest toads in North America. They can be identified by their light mid-dorsal stripe, variable brown and black spots, and proportionally large parotoid glands. Oak toads, unlike most toad species, are usually active during the day. They can be found in southern pine forests by turning over logs and other woodland debris. Breeding takes place in shallow pools that result from heavy rains. Unlike other toads of the region, which have round vocal sacs, calling males have an elongate vocal sac that extends dramatically in producing his chirp-like call.

Oak

Toa

d (A

naxy

rus

(Buf

o) q

uerc

icus

)- B

ufon

idae


Oak

Toa

d (A

naxy

rus

(Buf

o) q

uerc

icus

) -

Bufo

nida

e


Oak Toad (Anaxyrus (Bufo) quercicus)

Description: Growing to only about 1.75 inches, oak toads are the smallest toads in North America. They can be identified by their light mid-dorsal stripe, variable brown and black spots, and proportionally large parotoid glands. Oak toads, unlike most toad species, are usually active during the day. They can be found in southern pine forests by turning over logs and other woodland debris. Breeding takes place in shallow pools that result from heavy rains. Unlike other toads of the region, which have round vocal sacs, calling males have an elongate vocal sac that extends dramatically in producing his chirp-like call.

2

2

23

23

Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates (Rana) sphenocephalus)

Description: Southern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates spenocephalus) are mid-sized frogs -- 2 - 3.5 in (5.1 - 8.9 cm), that are brownish to green in ground color with large dark green to brown spots on its back, sides, and legs (spots on the sides and legs may be smaller than those on the back). The upper jaw has a light, sometimes yellow stripe. The similar Pickerel Frog (L. palustris) has square spots that are generally arranged in rows and bright orange coloration on the inside of the legs.

Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates (Rana) sphenocephalus- Ranidae

Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates (Rana) sphenocephalus

Description: Southern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates spenocephaus) are mid-sized frogs -- 2 - 3.5 in (5.1 - 8.9 cm), that are brownish to green in ground color with large dark green to brown spots on its back, sides, and legs (spots on the sides and legs may be smaller than those on the back). The upper jaw has a light, sometimes yellow stripe. The similar Pickerel Frog (L. palustris) has square spots that are generally arranged in rows and bright orange coloration on the inside of the legs.

Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates (Rana) sphenocephalus0)-

Ranidae


Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)


Newly metamorphosed spadefoot toad

Description: The Eastern Spadefoot Toad is a large toad, ranging from 1.6 - 3.1 in (4 - 8 cm) long. Their skin is smoother and more moist than other toads and is speckled with tiny warts. This species varies in coloration tan or yellowish to dark brown, without bold spots (as in other Southeastern Toads). They usually have two vertical light lines running from the back of their eyes down their dorsum, forming an hourglass shape. The lines are generally more brilliant yellow in males. The characteristics used to immediately distinguish this species from other species of toads are their bright yellow eyes with elliptical pupils (like cat eyes) and the dark spade, which is used for digging, on each hind foot.

Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)- Pelobatidae

Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

Description: The Eastern Spadefoot Toad is a large toad, ranging from 1.6 - 3.1 in (4 - 8 cm) long. Their skin is smoother and more moist than other toads and is speckled with tiny warts. This species varies in coloration tan or yellowish to dark brown, without bold spots (as in other Southeastern Toads). They usually have two vertical light lines running from the back of their eyes down their dorsum, forming an hourglass shape. The lines are generally more brilliant yellow in males. The characteristics used to immediately distinguish this species from other species of toads are their bright yellow eyes with elliptical pupils (like cat eyes) and the dark spade, which is used for digging, on each hind foot.

Newly metamorphosed spadefoot toad


Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) - Pelobatidae 3

3

22

22

Pickerel Frog (Lithobates (Rana) palustris)


Description: The Pickerel Frog is a relatively large frog 2 - 4 in (4.5 - 7.5 cm) that is identified by the 2 rows of dark-squarish spots running down its back between its dorsolateral folds and its light colored, blotchy belly. These spots occur on top of a dark green-brown background color. This frog is sometimes confused with the Leopard Frog, but can be differentiated by the square spots, as mentioned, or by the bright yellow flash colors that occur on the under side of its hind legs. These flash colors are used to confuse predators while trying to escape. Females are usually larger than males. Male Pickerel frogs are recognized by their paired vocal sacs, stout forearms and swollen thumbs. These frogs produce toxic skin secretions that are irritating to humans and can be fatal to other small animals, especially other amphibians. Many frog-eating snakes avoid these frogs for this reason.

Pick

erel

Fro

g (L

itho

bate

s (R

ana)

pal

ustr

is)-

Ran

idae

Pickerel Frog (Lithobates (Rana) palustris)


Description: The Pickerel Frog is a relatively large frog 2 - 4 in (4.5 - 7.5 cm) that is identified by the 2 rows of dark-squarish spots running down its back between its dorsolateral folds and its light colored, blotchy belly. These spots occur on top of a dark green-brown background color. This frog is sometimes confused with the Leopard Frog, but can be differentiated by the square spots, as mentioned, or by the bright yellow flash colors that occur on the under side of its hind legs. These flash colors are used to confuse predators while trying to escape. Females are usually larger than males. Male Pickerel frogs are recognized by their paired vocal sacs, stout forearms and swollen thumbs. These frogs produce toxic skin secretions that are irritating to humans and can be fatal to other small animals, especially other amphibians. Many frog-eating snakes avoid these frogs for this reason.

Pick

erel

Fro

g (L

itho

bate

s (R

ana)

pal

ustr

is)-

Ran

idae

Yellow thighs

Yellow thighs

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)


Albino individual

East

ern

Nar

row

mou

th T

oad

(Gas

trop

hryn

e ca

roli

nens

is)-

Mic

rohy

lidae

Description: Narrowmouth Toads are small, flattened frogs with pointed snouts and a fold of skin across the back of the head. They are typically around 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm). Overall color is generally gray to brown but can be extremely variable and can change from day to day or with the mood of an individual. The belly is usually heavily mottled.

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)


Albino individual

East

ern

Nar

row

mou

th T

oad

(Gas

trop

hryn

e ca

roli

nens

is)-

Mic

rohy

lidae

Description: Narrowmouth Toads are small, flattened frogs with pointed snouts and a fold of skin across the back of the head. They are typically around 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm). Overall color is generally gray to brown but can be extremely variable and can change from day to day or with the mood of an individual. The belly is usually heavily mottled.

4

4

21

21

River Frog (Lithobates (Rana) hecksheri)

Description: Adult river frogs (Lithobates heckscheri) are large frogs, ranging from 3 to 5 inches (7-13 cm) long. The record length is over 6 inches (15.5 cm). The dorsal surface can vary from green, dark green, to greenish black. The venter can be almost completely black, but is usually medium to dark gray. The belly also has short wavy lines or light spots. River frogs resemble Bullfrogs (L. catesbeiana) and Pig Frogs (L. grylio) but can be distinguished by the presence of light spots on the lips, particularly on the lower jaw. Males have a more yellowish throat than females. Also, the tympanum, or eardrum, is larger than the eye in males. In females, however, the tympanum is either the same size or smaller than the eye. River frogs have no dorsolateral ridges, which helps in characterizing it the similar Green Frog (L. clamitans). The skin of river frogs is also more rugose than other ranid frogs, in other words the skin is rougher and heavily wrinkled. These frogs can also be identified by a pale girdle outlining the groin. Juveniles will have noticeably red eyes. Tadpoles are very large and have a conspicuous black margin on their tail fin.

River Frog (Lithobates (Rana) hecksheri)- Ranidae

River Frog (Lithobates (Rana) hecksheri)

Description: Adult river frogs (Lithobates heckscheri) are large frogs, ranging from 3 to 5 inches (7-13 cm) long. The record length is over 6 inches (15.5 cm). The dorsal surface can vary from green, dark green, to greenish black. The venter can be almost completely black, but is usually medium to dark gray. The belly also has short wavy lines or light spots. River frogs resemble Bullfrogs (L. catesbeiana) and Pig Frogs (L. grylio) but can be distinguished by the presence of light spots on the lips, particularly on the lower jaw. Males have a more yellowish throat than females. Also, the tympanum, or eardrum, is larger than the eye in males. In females, however, the tympanum is either the same size or smaller than the eye. River frogs have no dorsolateral ridges, which helps in characterizing it the similar Green Frog (L. clamitans). The skin of river frogs is also more rugose than other ranid frogs, in other words the skin is rougher and heavily wrinkled. These frogs can also be identified by a pale girdle outlining the groin. Juveniles will have noticeably red eyes. Tadpoles are very large and have a conspicuous black margin on their tail fin.

River Frog (Lithobates (Rana) hecksheri)- Ranidae



5

5

Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)

Description: Southern cricket frogs are small, warty frogs ranging in size from 1.6 to 3.5 cm with variable coloring and patterns. They have fairly long hind limbs but do not have toe pads. Although they may be various shades of gray, brown, or green, many have a brown to orange stripe down the center of their back and a triangular marking on the top of their head. Southern (A. gryllus) and Northern (A. crepitans) Cricket Frogs are very similar in appearance and are best distinguished by call or range (Southern Cricket Frogs in the Coastal Plain, Northern Cricket Frogs are generally found in the Piedmont and Mountains). Both species have a dark stripe on the thighs. In A. gryllus this stripe has straight edges and is bordered by a light stripe, while in A. crepitans it generally has jagged edges.

Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)- Hylidae

Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)

Description: Southern cricket frogs are small, warty frogs ranging in size from 1.6 to 3.5 cm with variable coloring and patterns. They have fairly long hind limbs but do not have toe pads. Although they may be various shades of gray, brown, or green, many have a brown to orange stripe down the center of their back and a triangular marking on the top of their head. Southern (A. gryllus) and Northern (A. crepitans) Cricket Frogs are very similar in appearance and are best distinguished by call or range (Southern Cricket Frogs in the Coastal Plain, Northern Cricket Frogs are generally found in the Piedmont and Mountains). Both species have a dark stripe on the thighs. In A. gryllus this stripe has straight edges and is bordered by a light stripe, while in A. crepitans it generally has jagged edges.

Southern Cricket Frog (Acris gryllus)- Hylidae



20

20

Pig Frog (Lithobates (Rana) grylio)


Description: Pig frogs are large frogs, ranging in size from 3.35 to 6.5 in (8.3-6.2 cm). Typically they are grayish-green or brown n coloration with black mottling on the dorsal surface. Pig frogs resemble Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) and Bullfrogs (L. catesbeiana) but have no dorsolateral folds and the extensive webbing between the toes, reaching the ends of each toe. The belly is light in color and may have dark spots. There may also be a line or row of spots on the back legs. Male pig frogs have a tympanum that is much larger than the eye, while the females have an equivalently sized eye and tympanum.

Pig

Frog

(Li

thob

ates

(R

ana)

gry

lio)

- Ra

nida

e

Pig Frog (Lithobates (Rana) grylio)


Description: Pig frogs are large frogs, ranging in size from 3.35 to 6.5 in (8.3-6.2 cm). Typically they are grayish-green or brown in coloration with black mottling on the dorsal surface. Pig frogs resemble Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) and Bullfrogs (L. catesbeiana) but have no dorsolateral folds and the extensive webbing between the toes, reaching the ends of each toe. The belly is light in color and may have dark spots. There may also be a line or row of spots on the back legs. Male pig frogs have a tympanum that is much larger than the eye, while the females have an equivalently sized eye and tympanum.

Pig

Frog

(Li

thob

ates

(R

ana)

gry

lio)

- Ra

nida

e

6

6

19

19

Bullfrog (Lithobates (Rana) catesbeianus)


Description: The bullfrog is the largest frog in the U.S., ranging in length from 3.5 - 8 in (9 - 20 cm.). Coloration is normally plain green above, or a netlike pattern of gray or brown on a green background. The venter is whitish and often has grey mottling with a yellow wash, which is evident on the throats of adult males. In the southeastern part of the bullfrog's range, coloration can be a heavy pattern of dark grey, brown, or black above, and thick mottling below. They have no dorsolateral ridges, distinguishing it from the similar green/bronze frog (Lithobates clamitans). The bullfrog closely-resembles the pig frog (L. grylio), but bullfrogs have a less-pointed snout and less-extensive webbing between the toes (webbing does not reach the end of the toe).

Bullfrog (Lithobates (Rana) catesbeianus)- Ranidae

Bullfrog (Lithobates (Rana) catesbeianus)


Description: The bullfrog is the largest frog in the U.S., ranging in length from 3.5 - 8 in (9 - 20 cm.). Coloration is normally plain green above, or a netlike pattern of gray or brown on a green background. The venter is whitish and often has grey mottling with a yellow wash, which is evident on the throats of adult males. In the southeastern part of the bullfrog's range, coloration can be a heavy pattern of dark grey, brown, or black above, and thick mottling below. They have no dorsolateral ridges, distinguishing it from the similar green/bronze frog (Lithobate] clamitans). The bullfrog closely-resembles the pig frog (L. grylio), but bullfrogs have a less-pointed snout and less-extensive webbing between the toes (webbing does not reach the end of the toe).

Bullfrog (Lithobates (Rana) catesbeianus)- Ranidae

Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca)

Description: The bird-voiced treefrog is usually a mottled gray, but like many treefrogs, its dorsal coloration may change to brownish or green with temperature or activity. This frog is easily mistaken for the larger gray treefrog, which is very similar in coloration, including a light square below the eye. The bird-voiced treefrog is most easily distinguished from its look-alike by the greenish yellow flash colors on the concealed portion of its hind leg, which are usually more orange in color in the gray treefrog. Bird-voiced treefrogs inhabit wooded swamplands of the South, where they can be heard calling during spring and summer.

Bird

-voi

ced

Tree

frog

(H

yla

aviv

oca)

- H

ylid

ae

Bird-voiced Treefrog (Hyla avivoca)

Description: The bird-voiced treefrog is usually a mottled gray, but like many treefrogs, its dorsal coloration may change to brownish or green with temperature or activity. This frog is easily mistaken for the larger gray treefrog, which is very similar in coloration, including a light square below the eye. The bird-voiced treefrog is most easily distinguished from its look-alike by the greenish yellow flash colors on the concealed portion of its hind leg, which are usually more orange in color in the gray treefrog. Bird-voiced treefrogs inhabit wooded swamplands of the South, where they can be heard calling during spring and summer.

Bird

-voi

ced

Tree

frog

(H

yla

aviv

oca)

- H

ylid

ae



7

7

18

18

Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Description: Gray Treefrogs are the fairly large treefrogs (1.25 - 2 in; 3.2 - 5.1 cm) with large toe pads and granular skin. They are heavier-bodied than Pine Woods or Squirrel Treefrogs, with which they can be confused. They vary in color from mottled gray to light green but their color can change depending on environment and activity. There is usually a light spot beneath eye and the inner thigh is bright yellow or orange when exposed. Safety Tip: This species of frog produces a toxic skin secretion that can cause extreme discomfort to the eyes, lips, mucus lining of the nose, or open cuts and abrasions. Careful hand washing is advised for anyone after handling gray treefrogs.

Thigh coloration


Cope's Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)

Description: Gray Treefrogs are the fairly large treefrogs (1.25 - 2 in; 3.2 - 5.1 cm) with large toe pads and granular skin. They are heavier-bodied than Pine Woods or Squirrel Treefrogs, with which they can be confused. They vary in color from mottled gray to light green but their color can change depending on environment and activity. There is usually a light spot beneath eye and the inner thigh is bright yellow or orange when exposed. Safety Tip: This species of frog produces a toxic skin secretion that can cause extreme discomfort to the eyes, lips, mucus lining of the nose, or open cuts and abrasions. Careful hand washing is advised for anyone after handling gray treefrogs. Thigh coloration


Cope's Gray Treefrog (H

yla chrysoscelis)- Hylidae

Cope's Gray Treefrog (H

yla chrysoscelis)- Hylidae

Gopher Frog (Lithobates (Rana) capito)


Description: These nocturnal frogs are noted for their short, stubby appearance. Their backs are marked heavily with dark spots, sometimes causing a clouded pattern. Their dorsolateral ridges are very distinctive. The gopher frog usually spends daylight hours in burrows, holes, or tunnels that are created by other animals. They are mainly found on the Coastal Plain. The gopher frog breeds on spring nights in very wet conditions. They seem to be rare, but their secretive nature makes it difficult to determine their true population status.

Gop

her

Frog

(Li

thob

ates

(R

ana)

cap

ito)

- Ra

nida

e

Gopher Frog (Lithobates (Rana) capito)


Description: These nocturnal frogs are noted for their short, stubby appearance. Their backs are marked heavily with dark spots, sometimes causing a clouded pattern. Their dorsolateral ridges are very distinctive. The gopher frog usually spends daylight hours in burrows, holes, or tunnels that are created by other animals. They are mainly found on the Coastal Plain. The gopher frog breeds on spring nights in very wet conditions. They seem to be rare, but their secretive nature makes it difficult to determine their true population status.

Gop

her

Frog

(Li

thob

ates

(R

ana)

cap

ito)

- Ra

nida

e

8

8

17

17

Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)


Description: The green treefrog is a medium-sized - 1.25 - 2.25 in (3.2-5.7 cm) frog that, like other treefrogs, has long limbs, long digits, and sticky toe pads. This frog is green with a white, yellow or sometimes iridescent stripe along each side of the body. The length of these stripes varies among some populations and, indeed, may not be present at all. Additionally, yellow flecks are often found on the dorsum of some individuals. Males are smaller than females.

Newly metamorphosed green treefrogs

Gre

en T

reef

rog

(Hyl

a ci

nere

a)-

Hyl

idae

Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea)


Description: The green treefrog is a medium-sized - 1.25 - 2.25 in (3.2-5.7 cm) frog that, like other treefrogs, has long limbs, long digits, and sticky toe pads. This frog is green with a white, yellow or sometimes iridescent stripe along each side of the body. The length of these stripes varies among some populations and, indeed, may not be present at all. Additionally, yellow flecks are often found on the dorsum of some individuals. Males are smaller than females.

Newly metamorphosed green treefrogs

Gre

en T

reef

rog

(Hyl

a ci

nere

a)-

Hyl

idae

Ornate Chorus Frog (Pseudacris ornata)


Description: Ornate Chorus Frogs are small frogs 1 - 1.5 in (2.5-3.2 cm) with small round toe tips. They are among the most colorful of the frogs in our region and come in gray, green, and reddish-brown color phases. They have a black mask-like stripe across their eye, distinguishing them from other small frogs in our region, and additional dark markings on their sides and groin. This species can also have yellow on the groin along with small yellow spots on the insides of their legs. They are found in grassy areas, woodlands, wetlands, and bogs. Ornate chorus frogs are found only in the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern U.S. and are absent from southern peninsular Florida. They can be found in a variety of wooded habitats but are most common in xeric upland habitats such as Sandhills and pine flatwoods. They breed in small bodies of temporary water (e.g., cypress ponds, ditches, flooded meadows, and Carolina Bays), and are particularly found of open grassy fishless wetlands.

Ornate Chorus F(Pseudacris ornata)- H

ylidae

Ornate Chorus Frog (Pseudacris ornata)


Description: Ornate Chorus Frogs are small frogs 1 - 1.5 in (2.5-3.2 cm) with small round toe tips. They are among the most colorful of the frogs in our region and come in gray, green, and reddish-brown color phases. They have a black mask-like stripe across their eye, distinguishing them from other small frogs in our region, and additional dark markings on their sides and groin. This species can also have yellow on the groin along with small yellow spots on the insides of their legs. They are found in grassy areas, woodlands, wetlands, and bogs. Ornate chorus frogs are found only in the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern U.S. and are absent from southern peninsular Florida. They can be found in a variety of wooded habitats but are most common in xeric upland habitats such as Sandhills and pine flatwoods. They breed in small bodies of temporary water (e.g., cypress ponds, ditches, flooded meadows, and Carolina Bays), and are particularly found of open grassy fishless wetlands.

Ornate Chorus F(Pseudacris ornata)- H

ylidae

9

9

16

16

Pine Woods Treefrog (Hyla femoralis)


Description: The pine woods treefrog is similar in appearance to the squirrel treefrog, except that it has a row of small orange, yellow, or even whitish spots on the rear of the thigh that cannot be seen when the frog is at rest. This frog's toes are only slightly webbed, and it often breeds in temporary wetlands, including roadside ditches. The sporadic chattering call of the pine woods treefrog gives it the nickname "Morse-code frog." It can be heard from April to October.

Thigh coloration

Pine Woods Treefrog (H

yla femoralis)- H

ylidae

Pine Woods Treefrog (Hyla femoralis)


Description: The pine woods treefrog is similar in appearance to the squirrel treefrog, except that it has a row of small orange, yellow, or even whitish spots on the rear of the thigh that cannot be seen when the frog is at rest. This frog's toes are only slightly webbed, and it often breeds in temporary wetlands, including roadside ditches. The sporadic chattering call of the pine woods treefrog gives it the nickname "Morse-code frog." It can be heard from April to October.

Thigh coloration

Pine Woods Treefrog (H

yla femoralis)- H

ylidaeLittle Grass Frog (Pseudacris ocularis)


Description: The little grass frog, as its name implies, is the smallest frog in North America. Its most reliable characteristics are its small size and a dark stripe, variable in length, running through each of the frog's eyes and down its sides. It can have a brown to reddish ground color. Because of its size, the little grass frog is restricted to low vegetation and can sometimes be found in low-lying grassy areas that have been flooded. Although it may breed during any month of the year, the peak of breeding activity occurs in the late spring.

Litt

le G

rass

Fro

g (P

seud

acri

s oc

ular

is)-

Hyl

idae

Little Grass Frog (Pseudacris ocularis)


Description: The little grass frog, as its name implies, is the smallest frog in North America. Its most reliable characteristics are its small size and a dark stripe, variable in length, running through each of the frog's eyes and down its sides. It can have a brown to reddish ground color. Because of its size, the little grass frog is restricted to low vegetation and can sometimes be found in low-lying grassy areas that have been flooded. Although it may breed during any month of the year, the peak of breeding activity occurs in the late spring.

Litt

le G

rass

Fro

g (P

seud

acri

s oc

ular

is)-

Hyl

idae

10

10

15

15

Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa)


Description: Barking Treefrogs are the largest treefrogs in our region, averaging over 2 in (4.4 cm) in length. They are heavier-bodied and have more granular skin than green or squirrel Treefrogs, with which they can be confused. They are often bright green in coloration and usually have dark, round spots on their back and a white line on lip that continues down each side.

Bark

ing

Tree

frog

(H

yla

grat

iosa

)- H

ylid

ae

Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa)


Description: Barking Treefrogs are the largest treefrogs in our region, averaging over 2 in (4.4 cm) in length. They are heavier-bodied and have more granular skin than green or squirrel Treefrogs, with which they can be confused. They are often bright green in coloration and usually have dark, round spots on their back and a white line on lip that continues down each side.

Bark

ing

Tree

frog

(H

yla

grat

iosa

)- H

ylid

aeSouthern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris nigrita)


Description: Usually having a brown dorsal color with numerous black markings, the southern chorus frog is the darkest of the chorus frogs of the Southeast. Notable marks include a pale, sometimes almost white, line on the frog's upper lip and several rows of spots (sometimes stripes) running down each side, as well as down the back of the frog. As with most chorus frogs, the southern chorus frog can be heard singing day and night, usually near shallow bodies of water. It breeds in the winter in South Carolina and Georgia.

Southern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris nigrita)- Hylidae

Southern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris nigrita)


Description: Usually having a brown dorsal color with numerous black markings, the southern chorus frog is the darkest of the chorus frogs of the Southeast. Notable marks include a pale, sometimes almost white, line on the frog's upper lip and several rows of spots (sometimes stripes) running down each side, as well as down the back of the frog. As with most chorus frogs, the southern chorus frog can be heard singing day and night, usually near shallow bodies of water. It breeds in the winter in South Carolina and Georgia.

Southern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris nigrita)- Hylidae

11

11

14

14

Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella)


Description: Squirrel treefrogs are average sized treefrogs. Their size ranges from 1-1.5 in (2.2-4.1 cm). These treefrogs can be found in a variety of colors, in fact, each individual frog can assume a variety of different colors (comparable to a chameleon). Their background colors range from green to yellowish to brown. They can either be spotted or plain, some have bars between their eyes and some have light broken stripes down their sides. Often, the only way to identify this frog is through process of elimination: Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) have a white stripe down their sides, Barking Treefrogs (Hyla gratiosa) are larger with more granular skin, Gray (Hyla chrysoscelis/versicolor) and Pine-woods Treefrogs (Hyla femoralis) have bright yellow coloration or spots on their inner thighs.

A squirrel treefrog captured from the Crackerneck on the Savannah River Site displays the bright

yellow on the back of the legs that is present in some

individuals; squirrel treefrogs can vary

greatly in color within populations. – photo

by Mike Gibbons

Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella)- H

ylidae

Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella)


Description: Squirrel treefrogs are average sized treefrogs. Their size ranges from 1-1.5 in (2.2-4.1 cm). These treefrogs can be found in a variety of colors, in fact, each individual frog can assume a variety of different colors (comparable to a chameleon). Their background colors range from green to yellowish to brown. They can either be spotted or plain, some have bars between their eyes and some have light broken stripes down their sides. Often, the only way to identify this frog is through process of elimination: Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) have a white stripe down their sides, Barking Treefrogs (Hyla gratiosa) are larger with more granular skin, Gray (Hyla chrysoscelis/versicolor) and Pine-woods Treefrogs (Hyla femoralis) have bright yellow coloration or spots on their inner thighs.

A squirrel treefrog captured from the Crackerneck on the Savannah River Site displays the bright

yellow on the back of the legs that is present in some

individuals; squirrel treefrogs can vary

greatly in color within populations. –

photo by Mike Gibbons

Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella)- H

ylidaeUpland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum)


Description: Upland Chorus frogs are small -- 0.75-1.4 in (1.9-3.5 cm) -- brown or grey frogs, with a light line across the upper lip and a dark lateral stripe running through the eye. Markings are highly variable. Generally, there are three longitudinal stripes down the back, but these may be absent or broken. Sometimes the dorsum appears streaked or spotted. Males can be distinguished by a vocal sac located under the chin. This species looks very similar to the Southern Chorus Frog, Pseudacris nigrita. The easiest way to distinguish the two species is by range (generally P. ferarium is found in the Piedmont and Mountains, while P. nigrita is found in the Coastal Plain) and by their calls.

Upl

and

Chor

us F

rog

(Pse

udac

ris

feri

arum

)- H

ylid

ae

Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum)


Description: Upland Chorus frogs are small -- 0.75-1.4 in (1.9-3.5 cm) -- brown or grey frogs, with a light line across the upper lip and a dark lateral stripe running through the eye. Markings are highly variable. Generally, there are three longitudinal stripes down the back, but these may be absent or broken. Sometimes the dorsum appears streaked or spotted. Males can be distinguished by a vocal sac located under the chin. This species looks very similar to the Southern Chorus Frog, Pseudacris nigrita. The easiest way to distinguish the two species is by range (generally P. ferarium is found in the Piedmont and Mountains, while P. nigrita is found in the Coastal Plain) and by their calls.

Upl

and

Chor

us F

rog

(Pse

udac

ris

feri

arum

)- H

ylid

ae

12

12

13

13

Brimley's Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brimleyi)

Description: These small, slender long-legged chorus frogs are primarily tan or brown. Adults always have a well-defined dark stripe that runs unbroken from the snout through each eye and along each side to the groin. They may have lighter stripes on the back as well, but these are often missing or indistinct. The belly is usually yellow or cream and the chest is often peppered with spots. The markings on the legs tend to run lengthwise rather than forming bands as those on many other chorus frogs do. -Dorcas and Gibbons. 2008. Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. University of Georgia Press.

Brim

ley'

s Ch

orus

Fro

g (P

seud

acri

s br

imle

yi)-

Hyl

idae

Brimley's Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brimleyi)


Description: These small, slender long-legged chorus frogs are primarily tan or brown. Adults always have a well-defined dark stripe that runs unbroken from the snout through each eye and along each side to the groin. They may have lighter stripes on the back as well, but these are often missing or indistinct. The belly is usually yellow or cream and the chest is often peppered with spots. The markings on the legs tend to run lengthwise rather than forming bands as those on many other chorus frogs do. -Dorcas and Gibbons. 2008. Frogs and Toads of the Southeast. University of Georgia Press.

Brim

ley'

s Ch

orus

Fro

g (P

seud

acri

s br

imle

yi)-

Hyl

idae


Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)


Description: The spring peeper is noted for the X mark on its back and small pads on its toes. But more often than not, the X is an imperfect one. The dorsal coloration can vary from gray to brown. Spring peepers most often call where small trees or shrubs are surrounded by standing water. Though these frogs are rarely seen other than during their breeding season (winter and early spring in South Carolina and Georgia), they are sometimes active in wooded areas just after a heavy rain.

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)- Hylidae

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)


Description: The spring peeper is noted for the X mark on its back and small pads on its toes. But more often than not, the X is an imperfect one. The dorsal coloration can vary from gray to brown. Spring peepers most often call where small trees or shrubs are surrounded by standing water. Though these frogs are rarely seen other than during their breeding season (winter and early spring in South Carolina and Georgia), they are sometimes active in wooded areas just after a heavy rain.

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)- Hylidae

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