Quick Introduction to Herpetology

PA FROGS AND TOAD CALLS

1. HERPETOLOGY

a. The study of reptiles and amphibians is called Herpetology. Herp comes from the Greek word herpeton, which basically means "creepy crawly things that move about on their bellies.“

b. Frogs and Toads are members of the zoological class called Amphibia.

c. Amphibians are poikilothermic vertebrate animals. They differ from reptiles in that they lack scales and generally return to water to breed.

2. FROGS AND TOADSONE OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS IS, "WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FROGS AND TOADS?" MOST ARE SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT ALL TOADS ACTUALLY ARE FROGS!

A. FROGS B. TOADS

Frogs are characterized by:

two bulging eyes

strong, long, webbed hind feet that are adapted for leaping and swimming

smooth or slimy skin (generally, frogs tend to like moister environments)

Frogs tend to lay eggs in clusters.

Frogs from this family can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Toads are characterized by: Eyes do not bulge; paratoid (or

poison) glands behind the eyes stubby bodies with short, non-

webbed hind legs (for walking instead of hopping)

warty and dry skin (usually preferring dryer climates)

Toads tend to lay eggs in long chains.

True Toads can be found worldwide except in Australasia, polar regions, Madagascar, and Polynesia.

3. American Bullfrog

•Largest frog in North America. (Can grow to 8 in. and weigh up to 1.5 lbs.)

•Deep call resembling the mooing of a cow (hence the name)•Large tympanic membrane (eardrum)•Tadpoles can reach 6-7 in. in length and take 2 years to mature.•Will eat almost anything it can fit in it’s mouth.

4. NorthernGreen Frog

• About 2-4 in. in length•Females are noticeably larger than males but males have a larger tympanic membrane.•Have noticeably dorsal-lateral ridges.•Usually diurnal but make most of their calls at night.•Call sounds like a plucked banjo string.

5. Wood Frog

•2-3 in. long. Females are larger than males. •Have a distinctive “eye mask.”•Tend to be more terrestrial – living in forests around bogs or vernal pools•Wood frogs can tolerate the freezing of their blood and other tissues

•Duck-like call

6. LIFE CYCLE OF FROGS AND TOADS

a. Spawn (egg-mass). Frogs to lay many eggs because there are many hazards!

b. The tadpole consists of poorly developed gills, a mouth, and a tail. Tadpoles mainly feed on algae.

c. Tadpole with legs. Now the diet may grow to include larger items like dead insects and even plants.

d. Adult Frog or Toad – 12-16 weeks after hatching. Mainly insectivores.

Process called a metamorphosis, because the frog is changing from being fish-like to more animal-like. (also, herbivorous to carnivorous)

7. Southern Leopard Frog•Can be up to 5 in. long.•They have light colored dorsal-lateral ridges.•When you see "frog legs" on a menu, it is most likely a Southern Leopard Frog or a Bull Frog.•These frogs are also used in large amounts in biology classes for dissecting.•Calls sound like laughing and/or a zipper.

8. Eastern Gray Tree Frog

About 2 in. long.Can change their skin

color in seconds to match various bark tones.

It has bright yellow to orange patches under its thighs.

NocturnalCan be completely

frozen during the winter.

Call sounds like a trill

9. Northern Spring PeeperOnly about an inch

long.Can vary in color but

all types have a dark “X” on the back.

Rarely seen but often heard.

They are nocturnal.Many people

confuse their calls for crickets.

10. SAY "AAAAHHHH!"

a. Some frogs have tongues that are long and sticky that can be used to catch bugs. These roll out like an upside-down party horn and snag the bug! (YUMMY!)

b. Frogs with long tongues go by the "see it, snap at it" technique of feeding.

c. Toads, on the other hand, have tiny tongues and have to snap at their food using their mouth.

11. Eastern American Toad

Noticeable paratoid glands behind the eyes and warts on the skin. 2-3.5 in. in length. Common toad species in a variety of habitats including yards. Slight webbing between the toes on the hind feet. Call sounds like a long whistle or trill.

12. Fowler’s Toad

Usually brown to gray in color with a light stripe down the back. It's back will be covered with several dark spots. A species of concern in PA. Call sounds like a scream.

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Small species; Found near sandy soil along the floodplains of streams and rivers. The hind feet are webbed. Hind feet shaped like a black “spade". Call sounds like a fart.