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Amphibians

The World of Amphibians
There are about 4,780 species of amphibians known to naturalists, and there may be 300 to 500 more that have yet to be discovered. In the United States and Canada there are only 250 species. The world’s amphibians, most of which live in tropical areas, fall into three major groups (called orders) with special characteristics.

Frogs
Frogs of all kinds (including toads) make up the biggest order of amphibians, with about 4,000 species around the globe. North America north of Mexico has 100 frog species. There are many kinds of frogs, including treefrogs, true toads, spadefoot toads, and many others.

All About Frogs
Frogs have large eyes on the tops of their heads. Many frogs have poison glands in their skin. Most frogs and toads have distinct songs or calls that are used by males during the mating season. They produce these calls by inflating a pouch in the neck, called the vocal sac. Frogs have short front legs and long, powerful hind legs. They have four toes on their front feet and five toes on their hind feet. Many frogs have a hump in the middle of their backs, where the pelvis connects the backbone to the hind legs.

Little Grass Frog © Index Stock Photography

Cane Toad © C. Allan Morgan

Salamanders
Salamanders are not nearly as common as frogs, totaling only some 410 known species. North America, with about 150 species, is the best place in the world to see salamanders.

Blue-spotted Salamander © Breck P. Kent

All About Salamanders
Salamanders have slender bodies and tails. Their legs are about equal in length. Salamander skin is moist and usually smooth. Most salamanders have four toes on the front feet and five toes on the hind feet. Most salamanders have vertical slits, called costal grooves on their sides. Salamanders are usually both inconspicuous and nocturnal—that is, they don’t bring attention to themselves and they prefer the nighttime.

Spotted Salamander © Brian Kenney

Caecilians
The third order of amphibians, the caecilians, does not occur in the United States or Canada. Caecilians are burrowing wormlike creatures that live in tropical areas. There are 165 species worldwide.

Record North American Amphibians
Largest frog: Bullfrog, 8"
Smallest frog: Little Grass Frog, 5/8"
Largest toad: Cane Toad, 9"
Smallest toad: Oak Toad, 1 1/4"
Largest salamander: Two-toed Amphiuma, 45"
Smallest salamander: Pygmy Salamander, 2"

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