The shapes, sizes, and colors of frogs are almost limitless. Every frog species has its own set of truly remarkable characteristics. Frogs can be found almost anywhere, and if you’re exploring near a pond, they’ll most likely find your frog’s home.
Have you ever discovered a frog in your yard and wondered what sort of species it was, or maybe seen one hiding in a tree while hiking? We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frogs that live all around the globe.
A variety of frog species, their behaviors, habitat, diet, and other interesting characteristics will be discussed in this in-depth frog guide. Let’s start by understanding what frogs are and where they belong in the animalia kingdom before we dive into all of the facts.
What Are the Different Types of Frogs?
The amphibia class includes frogs. Since they spend their lives on land and in water, the term “amphibian” comes from Greek and means “double life.”
Frogs come in over 5,000 different varieties and the number is continually rising. Finding some of these creatures can be challenging since they spend much of their lives in hiding, are tiny, or live high in tree tops.
The anura order includes both frogs and toads. The term anura refers to the lack of a tail. Frog and toad tadpole offspring have a tail at first, but it disappears once they reach adulthood. The frogs vs. will be explored further in depth. Later on, I’ll talk about toads and address the big question of whether toads are really frogs.
23 Different Frog Species with Facts and Pictures
1. Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobatidae)
The vivid colors and distinctive patterns of poison dart frogs have earned them a cult following. The Dendrobatidae family of colorful insects includes these creatures. Poison dart frogs are poisonous, and scientists believe the formicine ants in their diet give them the toxins.
Depending on their degree of toxicity, some poisonous dart frogs are more harmful than others, and handling them may be harmful to humans. These frogs’ colors and toxins act as a deterrent to predators.
1.1 Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The neotropical area of northern South America, particularly Venezuela, Guyana, southeastern Colombia, and northern Brazil, is home to yellow-banded poison dart frogs.
Yellow-banded poison frogs are terrestrial and hang around tree trunks on the forest floor, unlike many other frogs that prefer to cling to trees at higher elevations. Tadpoles develop within bromeliads, which are tropical flora that bloom in ponds of water.
CHARACTERISTICS
The yellow bands that run over the black body of yellow-banded poison frogs give them their pattern. As the frogs grow older and develop into spots, the yellow bands tend to split apart. Their bright yellow color and markings deter predators, making them aposematic.
These frogs are more active during the day because they are diurnal. In order to find food, they may climb into the trees, but they often remain on the forest floor. If another male frog enters their breeding territory, males are very territorial and may become aggressive.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
The female frog will fight for the male, and many male frogs will call for females. Only between February and March can the male utilize a series of vocalizations to attract females, thus their breeding season is quite brief.
The parent frogs will distribute the tadpoles into the water pockets of bromeliads until they metamorphose into froglets after a female lays eggs and they hatch into tadpoles. As an adult frog approaches a spot, each tadpole gets its own pocket and wriggles quickly to signal them that it is occupied. The existing tadpole will devour the new tadpole if this warning is ignored.
Clutches are bunches of frog eggs. During a breeding season, a female yellow-banded frog may lay 2–12 eggs in a clutch or up to 1000. Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets after about 2-3 months, with a 5-7 year lifespan in the wild on average.
DIET
Insectivores include yellow-banded poison dart frogs. They consume the following foods in large quantities:
- Ants
- Termites
- Crickets
- Small beetles
- Spiders
1.2 Red-Backed Poison Frog (Ranitomeya reticulata)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The terrestrial red-backed poison frogs live in leaf litter and around tree roots on the forest floor throughout their lives. They are found in Peru and Ecuador’s tropical lowlands. Before they turn into froglets, the tadpoles reside within bromeliads.
CHARACTERISTICS
The coloration patterns of red-backed poison frogs are unique. From the top of the head to the bottom of the spine, they’re a vivid crimson. These frogs have circular patterns of light blue, white, yellow, or orange on their lower half and sides. Black is their eye and underbelly color. They may grow to be about 0.75 to 1.25 inches (2 to 3 cm) long.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as of 2017, red-backed poison frogs have a conservation ranking of Least Concern. Rainforest degradation and global climate change, which may affect their reproduction strategies, are posing a threat to their habitat in the Amazon. Another major threat to these frogs is the international pet trade.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
During the mating season, males attract females by stomping their feet and once a female is picked, she will stomp her feet to let the male know she is ready to mate and lay eggs. Males choose a specific spot on the ground where females may lay eggs and lead the female there.
Males fertilize the eggs that females deposit in wet leaf litter. The male will carry one to three tadpoles to pools of water after the eggs have hatched. Unfertilized eggs are fed to tadpoles for many weeks until they transform into froglets by the female parent.
DIET
The diet of a red-backed poison frog consists mostly of small insects, such as:
- Ants
- Fruit flies
- Termites
- Small crickets
- Tiny beetles
1.3 Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilio)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The rainforests of Central and South America are home to Strawberry poison frogs, which are native to neotropical areas. They exist on the ground and prefer environments with plenty of water for breeding. In cacao and banana plantations, you may also find strawberry poison frogs.
CHARACTERISTICS
Strawberry poison dart frogs grow to be about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (17-24 mm) long. Their name refers to their red coloration with black specks that resembles a strawberry, which speaks for their physical appearance. Blue legs are heavily speckled with red or dark brown to black spots, and they have blue legs.
Strawberry poison frogs may be blue, yellow, white, green, or black in color, despite their reputation for being red. The strawberry poison frog varieties are extremely unusual since it is uncommon for poison frogs to have so many color variants.
According to the IUCN, as of 2014, these creatures’ conservation status is Least Concern. Urbanization, logging, and the international pet trade are their primary concerns about habitat destruction.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Female Strawberry poison frogs are able to carry the tadpoles to pools of water only when conditions are wet, so they can breed all year. To signal readiness to mate, both sexes and all species emit chirping noises. Males are fiercely territorial, and if a different guy enters their territory, they may get into a wrestling bout.
The eggs will be deposited in the bromeliads by females, and the tadpoles will be carried by them. The tadpoles need around six to eight weeks to transform into froglets.
DIET
Formicine ants and mites make up a major portion of the strawberry poison frog’s diet. The toxicity of these poison frogs is produced by the formicine ants.
1.4 Blessed Poison Frog (Ranitomeya benedicta)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The rainforests of northeastern Peru are home to blessed poison frogs. They prefer to dwell amid bromeliads and fallen tree limbs amid the lowlands of the Amazon rainforest, both terrestrial and arboreal.
CHARACTERISTICS
A diurnal species with lovely color patterns, blessed poison frogs are a joy to watch. They have black markings around their eyes and their head is typically a fiery red to orange color. Their bodies are dark, and they have mesh designs of varying light hues, such as blue, light gray, or white.
The Blessed Poison Frog was last evaluated by the IUCN in 2017 as Vulnerable. Deforestation and illegal capture and trade are reducing the adult population.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
The eggs of female blessed poison frogs will be deposited in moist leaf debris. When the tadpoles emerge from their eggs, like many poison frogs, the mother frogs will transport them to bromeliad ponds of water.
DIET
Little insects like ants and fruit flies are eaten by blessed poison frogs, which live among the forest’s ground.
2. True Frogs (Ranidae)
Frogs are a kind of animal that can be found all over the globe and is part of the Ranidae family. These frogs are most often found around tiny bodies of water, such as rivers, ponds, or streams, where they may be seen hanging around your yard. This frog family contains over 600 species.
2.1 American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The biggest frog species in North America, American bullfrogs may be found practically anywhere across the United States. They prefer to live in wetlands and around small bodies of water.
CHARACTERISTICS
The underbellies of American bullfrogs may be yellow, graameriy, or white, and they can be green and brown in color. They reach eight inches (20 cm) or more in size, making them the biggest frog in North America. Depending on where they live, weight might change.
During the winter, bullfrogs will seek out mud or soil pockets to hibernate. Torpor is the scientific name for their state of hibernation.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
American bullfrogs breed in water, unlike many of the other frog species we’ve discussed. In the spring and early summer, females deposit their clutches in permanent bodies of water. Females enter the chosen territory, and males choose a breeding area. The males select a breeding area, and the females pick their mate.
A male who is similar in age to the female is usually chosen. After being placed on the water’s surface, the eggs take three to five days to hatch. A female may produce 20,000 eggs in her lifetime.
DIET
A variety of insects and aquatic creatures are eaten by American bullfrogs. Algae and tiny invertebrates are the major foods of tadpoles.
The majority of their meals are made up of the following:
- Insects
- Worms
- Crayfish
- Smaller frogs
- Small turtles
- Small mammals
2.2 Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The UK is home to common frogs, which can be found across Europe. Permanent bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes, are where they call home.
CHARACTERISTICS
Frogs of the common variety are often dark brown in color and have greenish-black markings. Their bottom is pale brown to white in hue, with numerous brown splotches and lines. Males may grow to be 3.5 inches (9 cm) and females to 5 inches (13 cm).
Common frogs will hide themselves in mud, under rocks, or vegetation until spring when winter arrives.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
At two to three years old, common frogs start reproducing. Mature males attract females with a vocalization call that starts in the spring and continues into the summer.
Her eggs will hatch in two to four weeks after they are placed in a stagnant body of water by females. A clutch of 2,000 eggs may be laid by female common frogs. Tadpoles develop legs around four months after hatching. The froglets will have developed into adults by the summer.
DIET
Insectivores and carnivores are common frog diets. Tadpoles grow into froglets after eating algae.
Adult Common Frog diet mainly consists of:
- Snails
- Slugs
- Worms
- Insects
2.3 Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The United States and Canada are home to wood frogs, with concentrations in the northeast states and Alaska. Woodlands, temperate forests, and wetlands are among the habitats they live in.
CHARACTERISTICS
Light reddish-brown to light gray or greenish gray are some of the color variations in frogs. They have dark brown patches on the side of their head that fade out towards the end of their nose. On the forest floors, these creatures blend in with the leaf debris.
The length of a wood frog may range from 1.5 to 3.25 inches (3.8 to 8.2 cm). Wood frogs have a clever mechanism that enables them to freeze in the winter and thaw out once spring arrives. Because they dwell in colder areas, they have this technique.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Once temperatures start to climb in late winter and early spring, the breeding season of water frogs begins. As the females lay their eggs in ponds or streams, they begin to migrate to wetlands.
Females lay hundreds of eggs in a single clutch, and the eggs hatch anywhere from one week to a month. It takes roughly one to two years for froglets to reach maturity.
DIET
Adults eat a comparable diet to other true frogs, including algae and other plant substance. Tadpoles eat algae and other plant substance;
- Insects
- Snails
- Slugs
- Spiders
2.4 Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
In the eastern United States, green frogs reside in marshlands’ deep vegetation. After rain, frogs in their younger years prefer to migrate into meadows and forested areas with less dense vegetation.
CHARACTERISTICS
They have lighter colors of green on the sides of the head, ranging from brilliant to olive green and brown. Yellow, tan, or white are the colors of their underbellies.
They have dark brown eardrums with a green center, which are known as tympanums on the exterior of their head. They protrude out from the side of the skull just below the eyes. A gorgeous golden-orange color dominates the green frog’s eyes.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
These frogs can live in wetland areas or near permanent bodies of water, so they don’t have to migrate to their breeding sites. From April through late summer, the breeding season is in full swing.
Females clutch size ranges from 1,000 to 7,000 eggs and deposit them along the shores of shallow ponds. Froglets take three months to emerge from tadpoles.
DIET
Just about anything a red frog can get into his mouth will be eaten by a green frog. Insects and other animals, such as:
- Spiders
- Crayfish
- Small frogs
- Tadpoles
- Minnows and other small fish
- Snails
- Newts
3. Colorful Frogs
Many more frog species are as colorful as the poison frog, but they don’t belong to the Dendrobatidae family and aren’t poisonous.
3.1 Madagascar Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The Tomato Frog is endemic to Madagascar and prefers rainforest and wooded coastal environments, as its name suggests. They may also be found digging in sandy or soft soils in cities. Wett and dry underbrush, they prefer to hang out in.
CHARACTERISTICS
These creatures look like a full, bright red tomato, hence the name of the Tomato Frog is appropriate. Their sides and portions of the head have a golden-yellow to orange coloration, with a white underbelly. Females are 8.5-10.5 cm (3.3-4.1 in.) long, and males are slightly smaller, ranging from 6-6.5 cm (2.4-2.6 in.). They are rather spherical in form with a little pointed tip on the tail end of the male’s penis
The color of males and femenis is different. Male tomato frogs are often browner in color than females and have less vibrant colors. A few months after hatching, young froglets become brown to black in color, although they are born brown.
This species’ conservation status was upgraded to Least Concern by the IUCN in 2017, although it is declining due to water pollution and collection for international pet trade. They are not particularly harmful to people, but they may secrete a mucus from their skin that might cause an allergic response or skin irritation.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
While most tomato frogs breed after big showers when there is a lot of water to put eggs, they breed all year. Slow-moving or stagnant waters are used by females to lay eggs. Males have a shorter life expectancy of 7 years than female frogs, who can live up to 11 years. They may live for more than a decade in captivity.
Insects, tiny invertebrates, and arthropods are all eaten by tomato frogs.
3.2 Golden Mantella
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The central-eastern section of Madagascar is home to golden mantella frogs. They prefer to live in moist environments within a short distance of swampy areas. Panadanus woods are also home to them.
CHARACTERISTICS
Since their vibrance, golden mantellas might be mistaken for poison frogs and may range in color from yellow, orange, or reddish-orange. They belong to the Mentellidae family, even though their diet causes them to retain toxins.
These little frogs grow to only 2.5 cm (1 in.) long and are about the size of a penny. Females tend to be bigger than males.
In 2018, the IUCN Red List categorized the Golden Mantella as Endangered. Several human activities, such as urbanization, mining and quarrying, and logging, are contributing to their population decline. A variety of invasive species also feed on them.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
After the first big rain of the year, golden mantellas breed. Females produce 20 to 60 eggs in a clutch, which the male immediately fertilizes. The eggs are tossed around in moist leaf litter or moss. The eggs will hatch two weeks later, and the tadpoles will be swept into nearby bodies of water.
It takes longer for a metamorph to grow up. Tadpoles transform into froglets after around 70 days. The golden-orange colors of the froglets appear after only a few weeks after they emerge from the tadpole stage, although it takes a year for them to completely mature into adults. They have a eight-year lifespan.
DIET
The golden mantella eats a range of insects, including the following:
3.3 Spotted tree Frog (Nyctixalus pictus)
The Spotted Tree Frog belongs to the Rhacophoridae family and might be classified as a cuter frog, depending on how you look at it.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore are some of the areas where spotted tree frogs may be found. They prefer low vegetation, which is wet, and they live in subtropical and tropical lowlands of rainforests.
Logging and deforestation are threats to Cinnamon Frog habitats. According to the IUCN, which last assessed them in 2004, their conservation status is Near Threatened.
CHARACTERISTICS
Males average 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) and females average 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), indicating that female cinnamon frogs are larger than males. They’re mostly active at night, and they’re nocturnal creatures.
Because of their color, spotted tree frogs are known as Cinnamon frogs. They have white particles and appear to be light brown, tan, or light red-orange in color.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Females lay their eggs in tree compartments filled with water, which is where spotted tree frogs spend most of their time. Tadpoles fall into the water below when the eggs hatch. They have a lifespan of around 10 to 14 years.
DIET
Spotted tree frogs eat a variety of flying insects, including butterflies and moths.
3.4 Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
You’ve most likely seen photographs of the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, which is a kind of jungle poster-frog. They might be given the distinction of being the most well-known frog in the world. The Phyllomedusidae family includes red-eyed tree frogs.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The humid lowland rainforests of Central America are home to red-eyed tree frogs, but they may also be found in southern Mexico. To keep their skin wet, they prefer to stay near rivers and other water sources.
During the breeding season, they spend the majority of their adult lives up in the trees, however they may descend to the rainforest floor.
CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOR
The vivid green skin, blue color on the sides, and brilliant red-colored eyes distinguish red-eyed tree frogs. Their suction disks aid them climb and adhere to leaves, and their toes are a bright yellow-organish color. Each eye has three eyelids as well. These little creatures are around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 12.7 cm) long.
During the day, red-eyed tree frogs lie on the bottoms of leaves and sleep. When sitting, they have the ability to protect their colors, leaving just their green visible. This is to assist them in their defensive strategy of “startle coloration,” in which they display their red eyes and blue hue to predators so that they have time to flee.
The mating ritual kicks off the process of reproduction, which occurs throughout the rainy season. To attract females, males will croak and quiver. Females of red-eyed tree frogs lay eggs on the underside of a leaf that hangs above a pool of water, and the eggs hatch in minutes. The egg-laying process is quite complicated. The tadpoles then float down into the river.
DIET
Insects, such as those mentioned above, are eaten by the Red-Eyed Tree Frog.
- Crickets
- Moths
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Smaller frogs
4. Crazy Cool Frogs
Many frog species have special qualities that allow them to thrive in their surroundings. Here are some of the most stunning frogs from around the globe.
4.1 Vietnamese mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
The northern part of Vietnam is home to the Mossy Frog. They may be discovered in evergreen woodlands or along the banks of streams that wind their way across rocky mountains. They live on the ground, blending in with the mossy rocks, and are terrestrial.
CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIOR
Since these mossy creatures are semi-aquatic, they spend a lot of their time hopping around bodies of water and moist places. Camouflage and identifying one of these guys may be tough. They blend in with their environment very well because of their green and brown colored skin and green eyes.
When they feel endangered, mossy frogs will pretend to be dead and use their camouflage to avoid being eaten by predators. Males are about 7.5 cm (3.5 in.) long, while females are somewhat bigger. They’re also nocturnal, as are other animals.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Females deposit 8-10 eggs in rock crevices above water level, making a clutch. To prevent aquatic predators from stealing the eggs, this is done. In one to two weeks, the eggs hatch and transform into froglets.
DIET
Mossy frog diets are varied, depending on what they can swallow and what is accessible to them. Inhabitants of bodies of water such as insects and freshwater bugs would be included in this group.
4.2 Malayan Horned Frog (Megophrys nasuta)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo are all home to Malayan horned frogs. They are completely terrestrial once they reach maturity. They live in lowland and submontane forests.
CHARACTERISTICS
The Megophryidae family includes the Malayan Horned Frog, also known as the Long-nosed Horned Toad. They have long spiky appendages that extend over their eyes and a unique look with a tiny pointed nose. They blend in with leaf litter on the forest floor and look like a leaf.
Their backs are dark to light brown, with light-colored patterns on their bellies that range from dark to light brown. IUCN has designated them as Least Concern in their conservation status report from 2020.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Females deposit their eggs in streams by placing them beneath rocks, logs, or other obstacles. Depending on the temperature, they may take one week to hatch and between two and a half and seven months to metamorphose into froglets.
DIET
These bug-eating critters, known as leaf-eaters, are generalist predators that eat a range of insects and gastropods.
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
- Worms
- Locusts
- Slugs
- Snails
4.3 Painted Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
In grasslands or savannas, painted reed frogs may be found around water sources. They are native to Sub-Saharan Africa. During the wet season, they frequently visit lowlands.
CHARACTERISTICS
The Painted Reed Frog is a masterpiece of nature. They may be yellow, white, or light orange in color and have black to dark brown stripes that run down their body. Light orange or white underbellies are common.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
While males are ready to lay eggs, females will approach them during the breeding season. Females may lay up to 600 eggs in a pond that the male selected as his calling area, and males may fertilize them. The breeding season starts in the spring and lasts until late summer, with the first rainfall.
Tadpoles will metamorphose into froglets after two months and the eggs hatch within one week. Adults will get their distinct color pattern once they reach maturity as froglets. They only live for 4.5 to 5 years in captivity, thus their lifespan is relatively short.
DIET
Insectivores, like painted reed frogs, eat a variety of insects and arthropods.
4.4 Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni)
The glass frogs belong to the Centrolenidae family, which is known for its transparent look. The Centrolenidae family contains various subspecies, but we’re talking about the Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni Northern Glass Frog subspecies in this case.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
Central and South America, as well as Mexico, are home to northern glass frogs. They dwell in damp montane woods beside rocky streams in neotropical countries.
CHARACTERISTICS
Because their underbellies are totally transparent, glass frogs have a lovely appearance. Their organs and even their hearts are visible to us because of their transparency. They are green in hue with green bones, and they are sometimes speckled with light yellow or white.
According to scientists, their green bones are an adaptive feature that aids them in blending in with their surroundings. The length of a northern glass frog may range from 2.5 to 3 cm (1 in).
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Between the rainy season months of May and Octhroughber, these transparent frogs breed. Females may lay up to 30 eggs per clutch, placing their eggs on the bottom of leaves above water. Glass frog predators, such as snakes, have a strong desire for the eggs and may not be able to hatch them before they are consumed.
The tadpole to froglet stage takes between two and two years, but grape frog eggs hatch in two weeks.
DIET
Little invertebrates, spiders, and other tiny creatures make up the majority of a glass frog diet, which is comparable to other species.
4.5 Shovel-Headed Tree Frog (Triprion spatulatus)
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND HABITAT
Arboreal and terrestrial, shovel-headed tree frogs are found on Mexico’s western coast. Forests, shrublands, and marshes are their natural habitats.
CHARACTERISTICS
Shovele-headed tree frogs have a triangular-shaped head that narrows towards the mouth, which is an appropriate name for these critters. Females are slightly larger than males, measuring 7.5 to 10.1 cm (3-4 in.) in length.
Grayish-green, light tan, and olive-gray are among the colors they have. White, light tan, or brown is their undertone. As of 2019, the conservation status of shovel-headed tree frogs is Least Concern.
REPRODUCTION AND LIFE CYCLE
Between June and November, the breeding season takes place during the rainy season. Following a lot of rain, females will deposit their eggs near temporary water sources. By emitting a mating call, males will entice females.
DIET
Shovel-headed tree frogs use their sticky tongues to catch their next meal, which they do in a “sit and wait” manner.
Their diet mostly consists of:
- Spiders
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
5. Cute Frogs
There are a lot of cuter frogs, but there are a select few that are just plain precious.
5.1 Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla versicolor)
Gray tree frogs are quite lovely. To blend in with tree bark, they are generally grey in hue, but may alter to greenish-grey or brown quickly to match their surroundings.
They’re found on the eastern half of the United States, where they live in deciduous woods near water. During the winter, these tiny animals can freeze and thaw out in the springtime, demonstrating that they are nocturnal.
5.2 Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops)
The plump, spherical body and pouty face of the Desert Rain Frog make it quite appealing.
These insects live in South Africa’s coastal sand dunes and are master burrowers. They’re nocturnal, and during the day, they hide underground.
Insects, such as moths and beetles, make up the majority of their diet. Unfortunately, because of tourism, these lovely frogs are currently classified as “Near Threatened.”
5.3 Cranwell’s Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)
Cranwell’s Horned Frog is a member of the genus Ceratophrys and is known as the Pacman Frog. There are eight subspecies to choose from. Cranwell’s horned frogs, which are on the cutest frogs list, have huge heads and tiny bodies.
They’re found in South America’s northernmost areas. Pacman frogs have large jaws, a rounded appearance, and bulging eyes that protrude from their skull. For amphibian enthusiasts, their looks make them a must-have pet.
Smallest Frog in the World
6. Paedophryne amauensis
The world’s tiniest frog is the Paedophryne amauensis. It was found to be 7.7 mm (0.3 in.) long and discovered in Papua New Guinea. It was also crowned the world’s tiniest vertebrate.
The Microhylidae family contains this tiny frog, which was discovered in 2012. It has reddish-brown with dark brown splotches on its body, making it easily disguised among leaf litter. Its amber-colored eyes help to blend in.
They do not have a tadpole stage and are terrestrial in nature. Acarians and collembolans are two small invertebrates that they eat.
Largest Frog in the World
7. Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath)
The Goliath Frog, as this frog is enormous, certainly lives up to its moniker. They may grow to be over three pounds and reach lengths of up to 13 inches (32 cm). In West Africa, between the Equator and Cameroon, Goliath frogs live.
These enormous frogs may be found beside rivers and near waterfalls in the moist climates of rainforests.
Males have no vocal sacs, but they make a whistling noise to attract females. Instead, they emit the sound by opening their mouths. Hundreds of eggs will be laid at the bottom of a river or stream by females who go to the male to mate.
Goliath tadpoles are thought to be substantially bigger than normal-sized frogs, however this is not the case. Three months after they metamorphose into froglets, goliath frog tadpoles are quite typical in size.
The diet of goliath frogs is similar to that of other frogs. Insects and other creatures are consumed by them.
- Fish
- Crustaceans
- Newts and salamanders
- Small mammals
Rarest Frog in the World
8. American Cinchona Plantation Treefrog (Isthmohyla rivularis)
The Cinchona Plantation Treefrog, which was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 2007, is arguably the world’s rarest frog.
According to the IUCN’s 2019 assessment, this frog species is Endangered. The population of adult frogs is thought to be dwindling as a result of agricultural operations and logging, and there are fewer than 3,000 mature frogs in the world. Non-native invasive species pose a danger to them as well.
Cinchona plantation tree frogs live in Costa Rica and Panama, in damp and premontane rainforests, beside streams.
Frog Calls: How Frogs Make Their Sounds
Frogs produce a variety of noises, and they differ depending on the species. Trills, peeping, whistling, honks, and clicking are all terms used to describe frog calls.
How Do Frogs Make Their Sounds?
Certain frogs use their vocal sacs to produce noises. On the neck or mouth, the voice sac is frequently found. As a result, certain frogs may have their vocal sac inflating beneath or to the sides of their mouth.
By inhaling and exhaling air, they create their sound by forcing it back and forth between their lungs and lips. Frogs may change the sound they make by changing how quickly they do this. The Goliath Frog, for example, is a species that does not have a vocal sac and must open its mouth to make noises.
Why Do Frogs Call?
Frogs call for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is to attract mates and defend their territory. When they feel endangered, a third call, referred to as a “release” call, is issued to request their captor to release them.
Mating
During breeding seasons, males will call to attract females. Females are only receptive to the call and do not make calls themselves for mating, so the call is generally unique for mating.
Males may also refer to a group of frogs as an army or colony. This is a loud “frog chorus” that males use to attract females’ attention.
Territorial Call
During the mating season, male frogs issue territorial calls to keep other males out of their territory. The territorial call is to notify other males that they aren’t permitted to approach during the breeding season, which may frequently degenerate into a male frog frenzy.
Where Do Frogs Go in the Winter?
The internal body temperature of frogs varies with external temperatures, making them ectothermic. Depending on the species, frogs may migrate or hibernate during the winter.
Frog Migration
Several frog species move long distances each winter to breed and migrate. During the breeding season, frogs that migrate often lay their eggs in shallow bodies of water. Some frog species migrate to deeper bodies of water for the winter after the breeding season is over. Frogs will return to their breeding locations as spring rolls around.
Frog Hibernation
During the winter, several frog species do not migrate but hibernate instead. When it’s time for spring, several frogs will burrow themselves under muck, soil, or leaf litter. Certain frog species, such as the Wood Frog, can freeze and thaw out in the spring after freezing over the winter.
Some frogs, however, can generate glucose to avoid their organs from freezing, whereas others may not be able to do so. As temperatures start to rise again, the organs will cease to work, but they will magically return to function once temperatures rise. Frogs that live in very cold climates benefit from this adaptation, but they may perish if it becomes too chilly.
Frogs Vs. Toads: What’s the Difference?
Amphibia is a class of animals, and Anura is an order of animals. All toads are considered frogs because there is no scientific difference between a toad and a frog.
To be clear, there are certain distinctions between toads and frogs.
- Toads have shorter limbs than other amphibians.
- Most frogs have moist, smooth skin, but toads have dry, textured skin.
- In contrast to frogs, toads lay their eggs in a chain formation.
Frog FAQs
1. Are Pink Frogs Real?
Purple is technically a shade of pink, if you count it as such. The Purple Harlequin Toad, Atelopus barbotini, is distinguished by its purple belly.
The Bufonidae family includes this frog, which is found in French Guiana. Their backs are purple or red-orange with purple bellies, and the majority of their back is black.
Poison dart frogs are depicted to be pink on the internet, however they are photoshopped and do not exist.
2. How Do Frogs Sleep?
The sleeping patterns of frogs have received relatively little scientific attention. Frogs do sleep, and they may go through various stages of slumber, according to the research. However, since frog brain functions are different from humans and they are cold-blooded, comparing these sleeping states to human sleep stages is difficult.
Frogs tuck their limbs and head under their third eyelid, the nictitating membrane, which allows them to see while resting even when they are sleeping.
Frogs have different sleeping patterns depending on their species. This might change depending on a variety of factors, such as when and where they sleep. Some frogs rest on leaves or limbs in the treetops, while others may choose to rest on a comfortable rock or log.
Frog Symbolism
In various cultures, frogs represent a variety of meanings. They’re a common symbol of fertility, regeneration, rain, and rebirth. Because of their life cycle process of transforming from tadpole to frog, ancient Egyptian and Olmec tribe cultures regarded frogs as a symbol of rebirth and transformation.
Frogs are seen as dangerous and devious in Christianity, with negative connotations.
A popular frog figure from ancient China is the Money Frog (or Money Toad). The frog statue is a sign of wealth and luck, with one coin in its mouth and another on top of a mound of coins.
Frogs are seen as a symbol of reproduction, rain, and healing powers by the majority of Native American tribes, whereas they are seen in a more unfavorable light by others.