Frog or Toad? Spotting the Differences!

Frog or Toad? Spotting the Differences

May, 16 2024

by Renée DeVincent

Let's leap into the fascinating world of frogs and toads, two intriguing creatures that are very similar, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. Learn about their habitats, life cycles, how they fit into our backyard ecosystems, and more. But first, here are some fun short facts!

Short Facts: 🐸

• Groups of frogs are called an army, and groups of toads are called knots.
• Frogs need to live near water to survive, whereas toads do not.
• Both frogs and toads drink water through their skin.
• Frogs have smooth skin, while toads have bumpy skin.
• Both frogs and toads have been around for billions of years.
  

Frogs and Toads Live all Around the World!

According to amphibiaweb.org, there are over 7,701 types of frogs and toads in the world. They are both anura, meaning that they do not have tails. Found almost everywhere in the world, frogs and toads live on every continent except Antarctica.

Some common types of frogs and toads you may be familiar with are the bullfrog, common frog, green frog, leopard frog, marsh frog, pickerel frog, red-eyed tree frog, wood frog, american toad, and the fowler's toad.

Habitat and Behavior:

Frogs:

• Found in or near water areas such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
• Many frog are good swimmers and spend much of their lives in water environments.
• Known for their musical voices.
• Some male frogs put on shows with fancy dances and vocalizations to attract a female frog.



Toads:

• Tend to have many different types of homes, including forests, grasslands, and gardens, with a preference for moisture-retaining environments.
• While they can swim, toads are more on land than frogs, often moving away from water sources.
• Toads give shorter, harsher calls compared to frogs, sounding like high-pitched trills or chirps.
• When trying to get the attention of a female toad, they have less fancy shows, with simple sounds and physical displays.
  

The Life Cycle:

Frogs:

• Eggs are typically laid in groups attached to vegetation in water.
• Tadpoles undergo a metamorphosis process, transforming into adult frogs over several weeks to months. It is a much longer stage than a toad's metamorphosis, some taking up to two years.
• Frogs will protect their babies, with either the male or female guarding the eggs or carrying tadpoles on their backs.

Toads:

• Eggs are laid in long strings or chains, usually in shallow water or underwater vegetation.
• Tadpoles of toads also undergo metamorphosis, transitioning into adult toads. It is a shorter stage taking around four weeks.
• Unlike frogs, toads generally do not protect their babies and they grow up apart from their parents.

Frogs and Toads in Your Backyard

Frogs and toads are not only fun to have in the backyard, they work hard to help your yard stay healthy. Here are a few ideas on how you can make your backyard more attractive and safe for these entertaining amphibians:

• Create a welcoming home by adding log piles, rock piles, and dense vegetation. These provide shelter for frogs and toads during the day when they seek safety from danger and bad weather.
• If possible, include a small pond or water feature in your backyard. This not only provides drinking water for frogs and toads but also serves as a breeding ground for some species.
• Refrain from using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your yard, as these can harm amphibians directly or indirectly by contaminating their habitats.
• Reduce outdoor lighting at night, as bright light can affect the behaviors of nocturnal animals like frogs and toads. Use motion-activated or low-intensity lighting where necessary.
• Add hiding places such as dense shrubs, leaf litter, and hollow logs where frogs and toads can hide when they feel threatened. These hiding spots offer protection from predators and help maintain their sense of security.
• If you have pets like cats or dogs, consider limiting their access to areas where frogs and toads are likely to be living. Pets can be a threat to these small amphibians, either by eating them or by destroying their habitats. If a pet eats a frog, they can become sick.
• Watch frogs and toads from a distance and avoid handling them unless necessary. Handling can stress these fragile creatures and may also transfer harmful substances from your skin to theirs.

Article Sources:

National Aquarium

Wildlife Preservation

The San Diego Wildlife Alliance- Plants & Animals

Amphibiaweb.org

Frog Stickers

How-to-Draw