Arkansas is home to a diverse range of amphibian species, and this article highlights fifteen of the most common ones found in the state. From the iconic American Bullfrog and Green Frog to lesser-known species like the Eastern Spadefoot and Spotted Salamander, each amphibian is described in detail, including key characteristics, range maps, and information about their habitats and behaviors. Readers will learn interesting facts about these creatures, such as their ability to change colors, toxic skin secretions, unique calls, and even their fascinating life cycles. While locating these elusive creatures can be a challenge due to their secretive and shy nature, the article emphasizes that the search for amphibians in Arkansas can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
American Bullfrog
Identifying Characteristics
The American Bullfrog, also known by its scientific name Lithobates catesbeianus, is the largest frog in North America. It can grow up to 8 inches in length. One of the key identifying features of the American Bullfrog is its powerful hind legs, which make it an excellent swimmer and jumper. It has a green or olive-colored body with distinct dark blotches or spots. Another distinguishing characteristic is its large eardrums, known as tympanums, which are located behind the eyes.
Range Maps
American Bullfrogs are widely distributed throughout North America, including Arkansas. They can be found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams. Although they are native to eastern North America, they have been introduced to other parts of the continent.
Habitat and Behavior
American Bullfrogs are semi-aquatic amphibians that prefer habitats with abundant vegetation and still or slow-moving water. They are often found near the edges of ponds or lakes. Bullfrogs are known for their loud calls, which are distinctive and can be heard over long distances. Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer.
Green Frog
Identifying Characteristics
The Green Frog, or Lithobates clamitans, is another common amphibian found in Arkansas. It is slightly smaller than the American Bullfrog, growing up to 4 inches in length. The Green Frog gets its name from its bright green coloration, although individuals may vary in shade. They have a pair of dorsolateral ridges that run parallel to their back, which is a distinguishing feature.
Range Maps
Green Frogs are native to eastern North America and can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They have a wide distribution in Arkansas, and their range extends throughout the state.
Habitat and Behavior
Green Frogs are adaptable and can tolerate a range of aquatic habitats. They are often found near the water’s edge, either on vegetation or floating debris. These frogs are known for their distinct calls, which are often described as a banjo-like plucking sound. Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from spring to early summer. Green Frogs are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of small invertebrates and even small vertebrates.
Spring Peeper
Identifying Characteristics
The Spring Peeper, or Pseudacris crucifer, is a small tree frog that measures about 1 inch in length. Despite its small size, it is known for its loud and distinctive call. The Spring Peeper has a tan or light brown body with a dark “X” marking on its back, giving it a cross-like appearance.
Range Maps
Spring Peepers can be found throughout the eastern United States, including Arkansas. They are most commonly found in wooded areas near temporary or permanent bodies of water, such as swamps, ponds, and vernal pools.
Habitat and Behavior
Spring Peepers are primarily nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They spend their days hiding in vegetation or leaf litter near the water’s edge. Spring Peepers use their unique vocalizations to attract mates during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late winter to early spring. Their high-pitched peeping calls are often heard on warm, rainy nights. These tiny frogs feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Gray Treefrog
Identifying Characteristics
The Gray Treefrog, or Hyla versicolor, is a small arboreal frog that can change its coloration to match its surroundings. It has a compact body and reaches a length of about 1.5 to 2 inches. Gray Treefrogs can be green, gray, or brown, depending on their environment. They have sticky toe pads that allow them to climb and cling to vertical surfaces.
Range Maps
Gray Treefrogs are found in the eastern United States, including Arkansas. They are commonly found in wooded areas, forests, and even suburban gardens with trees or shrubs.
Habitat and Behavior
Gray Treefrogs are primarily arboreal and are often found in trees and shrubs. They are well-camouflaged among foliage due to their ability to change color. These frogs have a unique adaptation known as “freeze tolerance,” which allows them to survive freezing temperatures by producing a type of antifreeze in their bodies. They are primarily active at night and feed on a variety of insects.
Pickerel Frog
Identifying Characteristics
The Pickerel Frog, or Lithobates palustris, is a medium-sized frog that grows up to 2.5 inches in length. It has a distinct pattern on its back, consisting of square or rectangular dark spots on a brown or green background. One of its distinguishing features is the presence of bright yellow or orange inner thighs, which are visible when it jumps.
Range Maps
Pickerel Frogs have a widespread distribution in North America, including Arkansas. They are commonly found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and ample hiding spots.
Habitat and Behavior
Pickerel Frogs are semi-aquatic and spend a significant amount of time in or near water. They are excellent jumpers and can cover considerable distances. These frogs are known for their distinctive calls, which resemble the sound produced by running a finger along a comb’s teeth. Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer. Pickerel Frogs primarily feed on small invertebrates, including insects and spiders.
American Green Treefrog
Identifying Characteristics
The American Green Treefrog, or Hyla cinerea, is a small, bright green frog that grows up to 2.5 inches in length. It has smooth skin and large, round toe pads that allow it to climb and cling to various surfaces. One of the key identifying features of the American Green Treefrog is its white or cream-colored belly.
Range Maps
American Green Treefrogs are native to the southeastern United States, including Arkansas. They are commonly found in wetlands, swamps, marshes, and wooded areas near water sources.
Habitat and Behavior
American Green Treefrogs are excellent climbers and are often found in trees, shrubs, or vegetation near water. They are primarily nocturnal and are most active at night. These frogs have a distinctive call that sounds like a musical trill or a soft “queek.” Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer. American Green Treefrogs feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects and spiders.
American Toad
Identifying Characteristics
The American Toad, or Anaxyrus americanus, is a medium-sized toad that can reach lengths of up to 4 inches. It has a stout body with dry, warty skin. The coloration of American Toads varies, but they are typically brown or olive with dark spots or blotches. One of its distinguishing features is the presence of large parotoid glands located behind each eye.
Range Maps
American Toads have a wide distribution across eastern North America, and they can be found throughout Arkansas. They inhabit a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. These toads are adaptable and can tolerate both wet and dry environments.
Habitat and Behavior
American Toads are primarily terrestrial, but they require a nearby water source to reproduce. They are often found in moist areas and spend their days buried in soil or leaf litter. These toads have a unique call that sounds like a long, high-pitched trill. Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer. American Toads are generalist feeders and will eat a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, worms, and slugs.
Fowler’s Toad
Identifying Characteristics
The Fowler’s Toad, or Anaxyrus fowleri, is a small toad that measures about 2 to 3 inches in length. It has a stocky body with dry, warty skin. Fowler’s Toads are typically light brown or gray with dark, irregular spots or blotches. They have distinctive cranial crests that extend from their eyes to their snout.
Range Maps
Fowler’s Toads have a limited distribution compared to some other species in Arkansas. They are primarily found in the eastern and southern parts of the state. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and sandy areas.
Habitat and Behavior
Fowler’s Toads are primarily terrestrial and spend their days hiding in burrows or under leaf litter. They are generally secretive and shy in nature. These toads have a unique call that sounds like a musical trill or a soft “waaa.” Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer. Fowler’s Toads feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and earthworms.
Woodhouse’s Toad
Identifying Characteristics
Woodhouse’s Toad, or Anaxyrus woodhousii, is a medium-sized toad that typically measures 2 to 3 inches in length. It has a stout body with dry, warty skin. The coloration of Woodhouse’s Toads can vary, but they are typically brown or gray with dark spots or blotches. They have distinctive cranial crests that extend from their eyes to their snout, similar to Fowler’s Toads.
Range Maps
Woodhouse’s Toads have a wide distribution across western North America, including Arkansas. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and desert areas. In Arkansas, they are primarily found in the western part of the state.
Habitat and Behavior
Woodhouse’s Toads are primarily terrestrial and spend their days hiding in burrows or under rocks and logs. They are well-adapted to dry habitats and can tolerate some arid conditions. These toads have a unique call that sounds like a musical trill or a soft “waaa.” Males call to attract females during the breeding season, which typically occurs from late spring to early summer. Woodhouse’s Toads feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and earthworms.
Conclusion
Arkansas is home to a diverse range of amphibians, including frogs and toads with unique characteristics and behaviors. From the large and powerful American Bullfrog to the tiny Spring Peeper with its distinctive call, these amphibians play an essential role in the ecosystem. Exploring the habitats where these species reside can be an exciting and educational experience, although it can be challenging to locate them due to their secretive and shy nature. By understanding their identifying characteristics, range maps, and habitats, nature enthusiasts can appreciate the diversity and beauty of Arkansas’s amphibians and contribute to their conservation efforts.