A description and facts about amphibians. Anura (frogs), Urodela (salamanders), and Apoda (caecilians) are all represented with examples of amphibian species from each of their groups.
Page Index
- Introduction to Amphibians
- List of Amphibians
- Discover More
Introduction To Amphibians
The class Amphibia includes vertebrates such as amphibians. Most amphibians spend their first few weeks after hatching from their eggs in an aquatic larvae stage, before metamorphosing into adult, air-breathing versions.
Anura (frogs), Urodela (salamanders), and Apoda (caecilians) are the three orders in the Amphibia class. Toads are classified as Anura, while newts are classified as Urodela.
- On our main amphibian page, Amphibians: The Ultimate Guide, you’ll learn more about these fascinating creatures.
- Are you perplexed by terms like “class” and “order?” This page explains these and other animal groups, as well as their classification:
- In our natural history bookstore, you may get a taste of the books on amphibians
There are around 8,000 known amphibian species, almost 90% of which are frogs.
Examples of Amphibians
Frogs such as the American bullfrog, red-eyed tree frog, and Goliath frog; salamanders such as the hellbender, European fire salamander, and common mudpupp###; and caecilians such as the yellow-striped caecilian and Taita African caecilian are examples of amphibian species.
You can see pictures and information on these and other amphibians from all over the globe in the list below.
List Of Amphibians
- African Bullfrog
- African Common Toad / Square-Marked Toad
- Algerian Ribbed Newt
- American Bullfrog
- American Spadefoot Toads
- Asian Common Toad
- Axolotl
- Beddome’s Caecilian / Yellow-Striped Caecilian
- Cane Toad
- Chinese Giant Salamander
- Common Mudpuppy
- Common Toad
- Crucifix Toad / Holy Cross Frog
- Edible Frog
- European Common Frog / Common Frog / Grass Frog
- European Fire Salamander
- Goliath Frog
- Green Tree Frog / White’s Tree Frog
- Hellbender
- Horned Marsupial Frog
- Long-Nosed Horned Frog
- Nauta Salamander
- Paedophryne Amanuensis
- Poison Dart Frogs
- Red Eyed Tree Frog
- Taita African Caecilian
- Tomato Frog
- White-Lipped Tree Frog / Giant Tree Frog
African Bullfrog
- Scientific Name: Pyxicephalus adspersus
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
In southern Africa, the African bullfrog lives. Savannas, shrublands, marshes, and farmland are among the habitats where it may be found.
The species eats a wide range of animals, including insects, tiny mammals, reptiles, and other amphibians – notably African bullfrog tadpoles – making it a ferocious predator.
The African bullfrog is kept as an exotic pet despite the fact that it has sharp teeth and will bite if it feels threatened.
African Common Toad / Square-Marked Toad
- Scientific Name: Amietophrynus regularis
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Square-marked toad, African toad, Egyptian toad, African leaping toad, and Reuss’ toad are just a few of the names for this common African toad.
The species lives in a variety of environments and may be found across Sub-Saharan Africa (south of the Sahara desert).
This African amphibian may reach lengths of up to 13 cm / 5.12 in, and it has a huge, warty skin. It belongs to the Bufonidae family of true toads. It, like all members of this family, possesses poison glands behind each eye on the side of its head.
If well-treated, the species may live for more than 10 years.
Algerian Ribbed Newt
- Scientific Name: Pleurodeles nebulosus
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
One of the few salamanders found in Africa is the Algerian ribbed newt (Salamanders are typically found in temperate zones in the northern hemisphere).
The North African nations of Algeria and Tunisia are home to this African amphibian. Freshwater marshes and streams are where it lives. Pollution and habitat destruction are posing a threat to the species.
American Bullfrog
- Scientific name: Lithobates catesbeianus
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The biggest frog in North America is the American bullfrog. The species has been spread to a number of other regions of the United States as well as Mexico, and is native to the eastern United States and Canada.
The olive-green color of the American bullfrog is striking. Males have yellow throats, which distinguish them from females.
The males’ booming, “bull-like” calls give the bullfrog its name during mating season.
American Spadefoot Toads
- Family: Scaphiopodidae
- Where found: North America
The American spadefoot toads are members of the amphibian family Scaphiopodidae. Scaphiopus, or North American spadefoots, and Spea, or western spadefoot toads are the two genera that split them.
The hard, spade-like projections on American spadefoot toads’ feet give them their name. They are able to dig backwards into soft soil with this adaptation. Some species spend up to 10 months underground every year.
Asian Common Toad
- Scientific Name: Duttaphrynus melanostictus
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
In South and Southeast Asia, the Asian common toad may be found. It may be found in a variety of non-forest habitats and is widespread across much of its range.
The bufonidae family of toads includes the Asian common toad. The body length of this huge species is about 20 cm (8 in).
Axolotl
- Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
The aquatic salamander axolotl is native to Mexico. The species is now critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss. The axolotl, unlike many amphibians, does not change into a different species. Even as an adult, it keeps its gills and lives in the water.
Axolotls have the capacity to recover severed extremities and other organs.
Beddome’s Caecilian / Yellow-Striped Caecilian
- Scientific Name: Ichthyophis beddomei
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The yellow-striped caecilian, sometimes known as the Nilgherries caecilian, is an amphibian that may be found in India’s Western Ghats rainforests. It has a yellow stripe running down each side of its body. The species grows to a maximum size of around 27 cm (10.6 inches).
Beddome dwells in the earth and leaf litter, where he finds caecilian burrows. Its larvae reside in streams and mud, and are aquatic.
Cane Toad
- Scientific name: Rhinella marina
- Where found: South America, Australia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
In Australia and on many islands in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, the cane toad is indigenous to Central and South America but an invasive species.
This huge amphibian was first used to combat agricultural pests by being introduced as a native species. The species has been designated a pest that has had a negative impact on many native species.
The cane toad’s huge glands produce strong toxins behind the eyes. For a native animal, eating a cane toad might be fatal. The cane toad has had a negative impact on many Australian species, and the amphibian’s introduction has endangered several others (such as the northern quoll).
Chinese Giant Salamander
- Scientific Name: Andrias davidianus
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The world’s largest amphibian is the Chinese giant salamander. It can grow to a height of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) and weigh up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds). It has irregular markings on its dark brown body. It features a long, paddle-like tail and a flat head and body.
Even as an adult, the Chinese giant salamander is completely aquatic and retains its gills. It can be found in central, southern, and western China’s hill streams in forested areas.
The species is classified as endangered. It is sought after for both food and traditional Chinese medicinal purposes. habitat destruction has also been a problem.
Common Mudpuppy
- Scientific name: Necturus maculosus
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
In the eastern United States and southern Canada, the common mudpuppy lives in freshwater streams and lakes. It’s a watery salamander that never leaves the water and keeps its gills throughout adulthood.
The common mudpuppy has a grey-brown color with darker markings and grows to be about 33 cm (13 in) long. Invertebrates such as flies, mollusks, and worms are eaten by this nocturnal species.
Common Toad
- Scientific Name: Bufo bufo
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The continent’s fourth most common amphibian, the common toad, can be found across Europe. The Bufonidae family of toads includes this species. It has prominent poison glands behind each eye, like all members of this family. They are situated on either side of the neck.
Every year, this warty amphibian migrates to the same breeding pool.
Crucifix Toad / Holy Cross Frog
- Scientific name: Notaden bennettii
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
One of Australia’s most beautiful amphibians is the crucifix toad, often known as the holy cross frog. The frog is bright green in coloration with yellow/lime green stripes, and it secretes a thick, sticky glue when it is threatened; predators are warned that eating it will be costly. The species’ name is derived from a cross mark on the frog’s back.
The crucifix toad is imprisoned in a cocoon for the majority of its life. It only emerges to breed after considerable rainfall.
Edible Frog
- Scientific Name: Pelophylax kl. Esculentus
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Europe’s second most abundant amphibian is the edible frog. Its legs are considered a delicacy in France, hence the species’ name. The green frog species complex, which also includes the marsh frog and pool frog, is a group of closely related species.
The edible frog can grow to a length of nearly 11 cm (4.33 in). It is a bright green color with yellow and black patterns. A yellow stripe runs down the center of its back, down its middle. When it calls, it grows two massive air sacks on either side of the skull.
European Common Frog / Common Frog / Grass Frog
- Scientific Name: Rana temporaria
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
The common frog is Europe’s most frequent amphibian, being known as the European common brown frog, the common frog, and the grass frog. The species may be found in or around ponds and marshes across the continent.
Northern European frogs hibernate throughout the winter.
European Fire Salamander
- Scientific Name: Salamandra Salamandra
- Where found: Europe
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
One of Europe’s most abundant amphibians is the fire salamander. Most of mainland Europe is home to this species, which lives in forest and woodland environments.
The black amphibian with yellow patches is a unique species. It grows to about 25 cm in length, with some individuals growing to over 30 cm.
Goliath Frog
- Scientific Name: Conraua goliath
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Endangered
The world’s biggest frog is the goliath frog. The body of this African amphibian may stretch up to 32 cm/12.6 in. It may weigh up to 3.25 kg (7.17 lb).
In western Africa, the goliath frog may be found in a limited region of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Fast-flowing rainforest rivers and waterfalls are its preferred habitats.
habitat destruction, food hunting, and pet collection are all threatening the species’ survival.
Green Tree Frog / White’s Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Litoria caerulea
- Where found: Australia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
With a body length of up to 11.5 cm (4.5 in), the green tree frog is a big species of tree frog. It can be found from north Australia to east Australia.
Woodlands and grasslands are among the habitats where the species may be found. It’s also common in Australian gardens and may be seen in urban situations.
In captivity, the green tree frog can survive for over 20 years.
Hellbender
- Scientific name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
- Where found: North America
- Conservation status: Near Threatened
The hellbender is the biggest amphibian in the Americas and the world’s third-largest amphibian (only the Chinese giant salamander and Japanese giant salamanders are larger). It reaches lengths of up to 74 cm (29 in.).
In the eastern United States, the hellbender lives in clean, rapid-flowing rivers and streams. The species is capable of breathing through its skin and has loose frills of skin extending down its sides for this purpose, despite having gills.
Horned Marsupial Frog
- Scientific name: Gastrotheca cornuta
- Where found: South America, Central America
- Conservation status: Endangered
One of a family of marsupial frogs known as Hemiphractidae is the horned marsupial frog.
Because their young develop in pouches on the mother’s back, marsupial frogs are given that name.
The biggest-known amphibian eggs are the horned marsupial frog’s eggs. The larvae emerge as tiny frogs, known as “froglets,” after spending the whole larval stage in the mother’s pouch.
At night, the horned marsupial frog turns tan rather than brown, which changes its color.
Long-Nosed Horned Frog
- Scientific Name: Megophrys nasuta
- Where found: Asia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
In Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo, the long-nosed horned frog may be found in rainforests. Its horns are triangular projections over the eyes, which are joined by a bridge. The nose of the species is also large and triangular. Its body is covered in various brown shades, which makes it blend in well with the leafy forest floor environment in which it lives.
Although the species’ global conservation status is “Least Concern,” it is an endangered species in Singapore due to habitat loss, which has resulted in a sharp decrease in its population.
Nauta Salamander
- Scientific name: Bolitoglossa altamazonica
- Where found: South America, Central America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
Anurans (frogs or toads) make up the majority of South America’s amphibians. In North America, salamanders are far more common, but only a few can be found south of the Equator.
South America, on the other hand, has a few salamanders. The Nauta salamander is one of them. It belongs to the family Plethodontidae, like many South American salamanders. The members of this family are referred to as “lungless salamanders.”
Amphibians in this family are devoid of lungs, as the name implies. Instead, through their skin and tissue in their mouths, they may ‘breathe.
The lowland rainforests of Central and South America are home to the Nauta salamander. It grows to be around 10 cm (4 in) long.
Paedophryne Amanuensis
- Scientific name: Paedophryne amanuensis
- Where found: Papua New Guinea
Paedophryne amanuensis is not just the world’s tiniest amphibian and vertebrate; it’s also the world’s tiniest amphibian and vertebrate! With a body length of roughly 7.7 mm / 0.3 in, it’s no surprise that this species is so tiny.
In the forests of southeastern Papua New Guinea, Paedophryne amanuensis may be found. To stay moist, it lives in leaf litter. The species is nocturnal and produces a cricket-like sound. In 2009, Christopher Austin and Eric Rittmeyer, both herpetologists, discovered it.
Poison Dart Frogs
- Family: Dendrobatidae
- Where found: South America, Central America
The poison dart frog is one of the most well-known amphibians. poison dart frogs come in a variety of species. They are only found in Central and South America, and belong to the Dendrobatidae family.
The poisons secreted by glands in their skin give poison dart frogs their name. These poisons were dipped into the tips of indigenous hunters’ darts, increasing their lethality even further.
Poison dart frogs have vividly colored skin (a condition known as Aposematism) that warns prospective predators.
The golden poison frog, Phyllobates terribilis, is one of the most poisonous creatures on Earth. Just one golden poison frog can kill up to 20 individuals with just one bite!
Red Eyed Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Agalychnis callidryas
- Where found: South America, Central America
- Conservation status: Least Concern
One of the most recognized amphibians on the planet is the red-eyed tree frog. From southern Mexico to Columbia, this unique amphibian may be found in rainforests.
The rainforest canopy is home to the red-eyed tree frog. It blends in with the surrounding foliage and helps predators blend in as well. In an effort to scare the aggressor, it will quickly open its large red eyes when threatened.
Taita African Caecilian
- Scientific Name: Boulengerula taitana
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Endangered
In the Taita Hills area of southeast Kenya, the Taita African caecilian may be found in the woods. This 34.8 cm / 13.7 in snake-like amphibian grows to be adults. It’s blue with darker rings throughout its body.
The species feeds on earthworms and other invertebrates and is a burrowing animal that lives underground. The youngsters feed on their mother’s specially-developed thick skin after they have hatched from their eggs.
Locally, the Taita African caecilian is common. It is, however, endangered by habitat destruction caused by deforestation and is only found in a restricted region.
Tomato Frog
- Scientific Name: Dyscophus antongilii
- Where found: Africa
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Its tomato-colored and spherical appearance earned the tomato frog its name. The bright color of this African amphibian warns predators that it is poisonous, and its skin produces a poisonous, gluey white slime when it senses danger.
The tomato frog can only be found in Madagascar, where it lives in a variety of environments, including rainforests, swamps, and marshes. Females reach lengths of up to 10.5 cm / 4.13 in, significantly larger than males.
White-Lipped Tree Frog / Giant Tree Frog
- Scientific name: Litoria infrafrenata
- Where found: Australia, Southeast Asia
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The world’s biggest tree frog is the white-lipped tree frog. A female (the larger sex) may grow to be 14 cm / 5.5 in in body length.
The bottom lip is striped with a white stripe that extends down each side of the neck, and the species is bright green. The frog can climb trees thanks to large pads on its toes.