Mr. Frog and Mr. Toad

Part 4 of a continuing series on differences in similar critters brings us the frog and the toad. If you’re new to the show, or have a bad memory, you’ll recall that last year (and the previous two seasons) I was slogging through a pond looking for eggs belonging to frogs and toads (as well as newts and salamanders). They are out laying their eggs as we speak, so this week’s is a timely topic even if it has nothing to do with egg laying.

Frogs and toads are both amphibians, meaning they can breathe on land or in the water, and have similar body shapes. So how can you be sure which critter you’re looking at? Here are a few differences to help you figure it out.

Frogs are generally more aquatic than toads, although there is variation of aquaticness among both frogs and toads. Frogs have smoother skin, a taller and narrower body, and buggier eyes. When moving on land, frogs are magnificent jumpers. The hind legs are long and powerful.

Bullfrog with smooth skin and bugeyes

Cascades frog- note the long legs

Toads are famous for their warty skin, which will not give you warts. The body is wider and flatter than a frog’s. Toads don’t jump much; rather they walk or take small hops. The hind legs are shorter than a frog’s. Their eyes aren’t nearly as bulging as a frog’s. A frog is more likely to be near water, while a frog feels more comfortable straying from the water.

Western toad with bumpy skin and squat little body

Wyoming toad- note the shorter legs and less bulgy eyes
(USFWS)

If you ever encounter one of these critters in the wild, or even just your back yard, hopefully this helps identify what you’re looking at. Info this week comes from Kidzone. Next week we take a break from comparing similar species but the series will resume in April.