Familiar Frogs and a Quotidian Toad
ILLUSTRATIONS Samantha N. Peters
GULF COAST TOAD (Bufo nebulifer)
Size: 2 to 4 inches long
Skin: Bumpy, in mottled colors from brown to greenish-tan
Of note: Prominent stripe down the center of the back, noticeable crests between eyes
Listen for: A long, low trill
Find them: In a rural and urban habitats (including backyards) with intermittent water
RIO GRANDE LEOPARD FROG (Rana berlandieri)
Size: 2 to 4 inches long
Skin: Smooth skin is light tan or green in color with leopard-pattern spots
Of note: Long legs and two stripes/ridges extending from eyes to pelvis
Listen for: Call is variable but often features a guttural growl
Find them: Near permanent bodies of water
GREEN TREE FROG (Hyla cinerea)
Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
Skin: Smooth and bright green
Of note: Lateral stripes of white or yellow
Listen for: A sound like quacking ducks or honking geese
Find them: In moist wetland habitats
BLANCHARD’S CRICKET FROG (Acris blanchardi)
Size: About 1 inch long
Skin: Various colors from gray-brown to green, can appear iridescent
Of note: Small warts may be outlined in a darker shade
Listen for: Call sounds like an abacus or marbles knocking together
Find them: Near creeks, streams, ponds and lakes