A Guide to Frogs and Toads

Tree frogs get their name from their arboreal nature which allows them to easily climb vegetation and trees where they will build nests and live, except in the spring when they descend to lay their eggs in ponds. Unlike their aquatic ancestors, tree frogs have fewer competitors for insects in their habitat and fewer predators as well.

The green frog (Lithobates clamitans) is native to the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada and is sometimes mistaken for a bullfrog since they share some physical similarities. But green frogs don't grow as large—their normal size is up to five inches—and they have dorsolateral ridges running down their back which don't appear on bullfrogs.

The American toad (Bufo americanus), sometimes referred to as the hop toad, can be found mostly in the northeast United States and eastern Canada. The species runs two to four-and-a-half inches in length and can vary in color (tan, olive green, reddish brown and other variations). Some may be patterned while others are solid in color. You can find them in moist areas with plenty of insects.

The American toad is distinguished by its short legs, stout body and granular skin with warts. The American toad's bumpy skin contains glands that produce a toxic, milky fluid that serves as protection from predators. They also have a distinctive call which can last between 4 and 20 seconds.