Red frogs and toads are some of the most colorful amphibians in the world With their bright red skin, they stand out vividly against the greens and browns of their natural habitats. These stunning creatures come in a diverse array of shades, from the bright cherry red of the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog to the deep burgundy of the Andean Poison Frog.
There are over 25 known species of red frogs and toads, inhabiting ecosystems around the world from the humid rainforests of South America to the arid deserts of Australia. While many people associate red and orange coloration in animals with toxicity and danger, not all red frogs and toads are poisonous. However, a significant number of species contain toxins in their skin that can irritate or even kill potential predators.
Poisonous vs Non-Poisonous Red Frogs and Toads
The most toxic red frogs belong to the family Dendrobatidae, commonly known as poison dart frogs Found in Central and South America, these small but deadly frogs get their toxins from their diet of ants, mites, and other critters Some of the most poisonous include
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Strawberry Poison Dart Frog – Bright orange-red with black spots, native to Panama. Toxins can be fatal to humans if frogs are handled.
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Reticulated Poison Frog – Red stripes on black background. Mildly toxic to humans.
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Anthony’s Poison Arrow Frog – Dark red with white stripes, native to Peru and Ecuador Highly toxic
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Red-backed Poison Frog – Vivid red back with black spots, found in the Amazon. Very toxic.
While these frogs are very beautiful, handling them is not recommended! Their toxins can cause severe pain, paralysis, and heart failure in humans.
Some red frogs and toads are harmless, like the Red-eyed Tree Frog, Tomato Frog, and Red-backed Toadlet. Pacman frogs also come in a pale red morph that makes them look like bright red horned frogs! These non-poisonous species rely on their bright colors to warn predators that they may not taste very good.
Habitats and Behaviors
Red frogs and toads inhabit a variety of environments across the globe. They can be found in:
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Tropical rainforests – Most poison dart frogs and tree frogs like warm, humid rainforests. They live in leaf litter and low bushes.
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Deserts – The red Desert Tree Frog survives in Australia’s dry interior deserts. They need shade and access to water.
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Temperate forests – The Red-backed Toadlet lives in Australia’s mild eastern forests. They hide under logs and rocks.
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High elevation mountains – Andean Poison Frogs thrive at elevations over 10,000 feet in the Andes Mountains.
These hardy amphibians employ an array of tactics to survive in their homes. Poison arrow frogs get their toxins by consuming ants, beetles, and millipedes. The Desert Tree Frog survives hot days by staying in the shade and emerging at night. Male frogs call to attract mates and defend territories.
Red frogs lay eggs in small clutches or strings. The male will often transport the tadpoles on his back to water sources. This parental care helps the young survive to adulthood.
The Allure of Red Frogs and Toads
The vibrant reds and bold patterns of these amphibians understandably make them very desirable as pets. Captive breeding has enabled the availability of beautiful species like the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog without depleting wild populations.
However, very few of the poisonous species can become completely non-toxic when raised in captivity away from their native food sources. Proper handling precautions and habitat care are essential with any poisonous frog or toad. Several of the non-poisonous species like Tomato Frogs and Pacman Frogs make better pets for beginners.
In the wild, the bright colors of red frogs serve as warning signs to deter predators. But for us, these stunning hues light up their rainforest homes and captivate frog lovers around the world. If trekking through jungles to find these exotic jewels seems daunting, never fear! Visiting a local zoo or reptile exhibit provides opportunities to safely see some of nature’s most vivid creations.
Why have frogs / toads arrived in spring when there is no pond?
Amphibians migrate to ponds in spring, often returning to areas where they spawned in previous years. If ponds have been removed it can be common for amphibians to still return to the same area. In most cases amphibians will eventually move off of their own accord.
- Ideally, consider re-digging a pond. If child safety is an issue there are solutions, including raised ponds, pond grilles and fencing. Some ponds can be installed quickly and simply – see our Dragons in Your Garden leaflet and our FAQs about Ponds.
- Occasionally frogs will spawn in damp grass or in small puddles of water near where the pond was sited previously. If this happens carefully put the spawn in a bucket, and move it to the nearest garden / private pond, asking permission first. Please do not move spawn to a wild pond as you may inadvertently transfer amphibian diseases.
- There is no organisation that will come to your garden and remove adult amphibians or spawn.
I have found dead frogs / toads, what’s going on?
Depending on the time of year there could be several reasons for finding dead frogs or toads:
- In winter ice can form over the pond. The ice forms a barrier which stops toxic gases (naturally caused by decaying pond detritus) escaping from the pond and this can sometimes kill frogs hibernating there. You may reduce the chances of this by leaving a floating object, like a ball, in the pond. This leaves a hole through which gases can escape. Recent research suggests that this may be ineffective, and growth of plants and green algae may be more helpful, as these oxygenate the water, even under ice. Never pour hot water onto the ice – this can lead to animals within the pond suffering from temperature shock – and dont use salt or chemicals; do not smash the ice as this can damage the pond liner and the pond life.
- Dead amphibians found away from the pond have probably been caught out by a sudden change in weather or have been disturbed by a predator.
- In spring, frogs and toads migrate to their preferred breeding ponds. Roads pose a particular problem in some areas where they interrupt migration routes, and dead amphibians, particularly toads, on roads can be a common sight – see our Common Toads and Roads leaflet.
- Sometimes, female frogs or toads which have arrived at the pond to breed are accidentally suffocated by males, and / or die from exhaustion – breeding uses a lot of energy and leave them more vulnerable to predation and diseases.
- Additionally, some predators (such as rats or mink) target breeding frogs and toads as a convenient source of food, and sometimes leave their remains near to the pond.
- In summer, small frogs and toads in particular can be vulnerable to dehydration when leaving their ponds. To avoid this happening make sure there is plenty of shade and shelter provided by plants around the edge of the pond, as well as a ramp to ensure they can easily get out of the water.
You may also like to take a look at our amphibian disease pages or visit the Garden Wildlife Health website.
This guy has a frog army in his backyard
FAQ
Why would a toad turn red?
Red-leg syndrome is a common condition in which there is a reddening of the lower body—usually the legs and sometimes the abdomen—due to dilation of capillaries (tiny blood vessels) under the skin. It accompanies widespread infection in frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Is the red-spotted toad poisonous?
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Toxicity:The red-spotted toad produces a toxin, but it’s not as potent as that of other toad species, like the Colorado River toad.
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Parotoid Glands:These glands, located behind the eyes, secrete a milky-white toxin (bufotoxin) as a defense mechanism.
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Effect on Pets:If a dog or cat chews on a red-spotted toad, it can cause symptoms like drooling or foaming at the mouth, but these are usually mild and temporary.
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Effect on Humans:The toxin is not harmful to humans, and contact with the toad’s skin is generally safe.
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Identification:The red-spotted toad is a small, gray or tan toad with many red tubercles or warts.
Are red fire belly toads poisonous?
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Toxicity:Fire-bellied toads possess skin glands that secrete toxins, including bombesin and 5-hydroxytryptamine, which can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
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Warning Sign:The bright red, orange, or yellow coloration of their bellies is a warning sign to predators, indicating their toxicity and foul taste.
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Unken Reflex:When threatened, these toads may engage in what’s called the “unken reflex,” where they lift their legs and arch their back, sometimes even flipping over to reveal their bright underside, as a further warning to predators.
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Handling Precautions:It’s best to avoid handling fire-bellied toads, as oils and soap residues on human skin can irritate their sensitive skin. If you must handle them, wash your hands thoroughly afterward to avoid accidental contact with their skin secretions.
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Not Dangerous to Humans (Unless Ingested):The toxins secreted by fire-bellied toads are not generally dangerous to humans unless ingested.
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Pet Care:Fire-bellied toads can be kept as pets, but it’s important to understand their care needs and handle them with caution to avoid any potential issues.
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Other Amphibians:It’s important to note that not all amphibians are toxic, and some, like the red-spotted toad, produce very little toxin.
Can American toads be red?
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TN.govhttps://www.tn.govAmerican Toad | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – TN.govDescription: The American toad is 2 to 3.5 inches long, has short legs, a stout body and thick warty skin. Brown skin color is most common, but this is highly v…
Which red-coloured frogs are poisonous?
With all my studies behind me, I can now confidently name which red-coloured frogs are poisonous or not: Red frogs that are poisonous include the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, Cane Toad, and Red backed Poison Frog of South America, as well as the American Toad of North America.
Are red spotted toads elongated?
The parotoid glands of A. woodhousii are more elongated than on A. cognatus. The Red-spotted Toad occurs in Southern California, mainly in the deserts east of the mountain ranges and north through much of the Mojave Desert. It’s small, rounded parotoid glands and lack of a back stripe will distinguish it from its neighbors.
How can I identify a frog or toad from its call?
To identify a frog or toad from a call you’ve heard, go to the Frog and Toad Calls Page. Here, you can listen to calls of most California frogs and toads, read a brief description of each call, and get information about when and where each species calls.
Is the amphibian you found a toad or a frog?
You may be wondering if the amphibian you found is a toad or a frog. As a general rule, frogs have smooth skin, long legs with webbed feet, live near water, and lay eggs in clusters.
What does a red frog look like?
Deep red nuances are also characteristic of the species. Red colors cover the dorsum and the legs of the species. Small white dots with black margins decorate this frog with warty skin.
Are toads different from frogs?
Toads aren’t classified differently from frogs from a scientific perspective. They are types of frogs in multiple families, mainly in the Bufonidae family. More than 500 species of true toads are known today. These are true toads that live terrestrial lives. While they live next to the water, they don’t depend as much on water sources as frogs.