Frogs and Toads of Pennsylvania: A Guide to the Species Found in the State

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of frog and toad species. These amphibians can be found in various habitats across the state, from forests to wetlands. For those interested in learning more about the frogs and toads of PA, this guide provides an overview of the different species found in the state.

There are 18 native species of frogs and toads in Pennsylvania The state has a high diversity of frog species compared to toads Only 2 true toad species – the Fowler’s toad and American toad – are found in PA. The remaining 16 species are frogs from 6 different families

• Ranidae – true frogs
• Hylidae – treefrogs
• Microhylidae – narrow-mouthed frogs
• Scaphiopodidae – spadefoot toads
• Bufonidae – true toads
• Acris – cricket frogs

Some of the more common frogs in Pennsylvania include spring peepers, bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, and leopard frogs. The rarest species are the New Jersey chorus frog and eastern cricket frog, which are listed as endangered in the state.

When and Where to Find Frogs and Toads in PA

The best time to find frogs and toads in Pennsylvania is during their breeding season, which peaks in the spring and early summer.

Most breeding activity occurs from March through June. Some early breeders like the wood frog start calling as early as February. Late breeders like Fowler’s toads can extend into July.

Prime spots to find frogs and toads include

• Ponds, lakes, streams – Bullfrogs, green frogs, leopard frogs, pickerel frogs breed in permanent water sources.

• Vernal pools, marshes, swamps – Wood frogs, spring peepers, and chorus frogs prefer to breed in seasonal wetlands and shallows.

• Ditches, puddles, flooded fields – Spadefoot toads congregate in ephemeral water sources after heavy rains.

• Forests – Wood frogs, gray treefrogs, and American toads can be found on forest floors and around small woodland pools

• Gardens, edges of fields – Cricket frogs and chorus frogs may shelter in tall grasses and moist vegetation.

• Under logs, leaf litter, rocks – Salamanders and toads may seek shelter in debris when not breeding.

The calls of breeding frogs and toads are often the easiest way to locate them. Listen for choruses of spring peepers or the low rumble of bullfrogs on warm nights.

Identifying Frogs and Toads in Pennsylvania

Several physical features can be used to identify frogs and toads in PA:

• Skin texture – Frogs have smooth, moist skin. Toads have bumpy, dry skin.

• Body shape – Frogs tend to have slim, streamlined bodies. Toads are more squat and stubby.

• Hind legs – Frogs have long, muscular back legs for jumping. Toads have shorter back legs.

• Parotoid glands – These raised bumps behind the eyes are unique to toads.

• Habitat – Knowing preferred habitats can aid ID, i.e. treefrogs in trees.

• Size – Some species have a typical adult size range.

• Color patterns – Markings and coloration are key for differentiating similar species.

• Eggs – The appearance and placement of eggs can separate some lookalike frogs.

• Calls – The breeding calls of males are often diagnostic.

Here is an overview of the 18 frog and toad species found in Pennsylvania:

True Toads (2 species)

American Toad

The American toad is common throughout PA. It has warty skin that is olive, brown, or red, with dark spots on its back. Grows up to 4 inches. Has a long musical trill. Breeds in shallows.

Fowler’s Toad

Resembles the American toad but has more warty skin. Tends to have 3 warts in each dark spot. Grows to 3 inches. Has a nasal yowl call. Prefers sandy habitats.

True Frogs (4 species)

Green Frog

Medium-sized green frog with bright green head. Grows up to 3.5 inches. Call sounds like plucking a loose banjo string. Found near permanent waters.

Bullfrog

PA’s largest frog, growing over 6 inches long. Green with a pale belly and yellow throat. Call is a deep bass “jug-o-rum”. Tadpoles overwinter.

Pickerel Frog

Tan frog with distinct square markings down its back. Grows up to 3.5 inches. Found in coldwater streams with rocky bottoms.

Wood Frog

Small brown frog with dark mask-like marking from nose to shoulder. Grows to 3 inches. Found on forest floors. Rapid high-pitched call.

Cricket Frogs (2 species)

Northern Cricket Frog

A tiny frog less than 1.5 inches long. Variable colors of gray, brown, or green with a triangle between the eyes. Raspy, insect-like call.

Eastern Cricket Frog

Similar to northern cricket frog but even smaller at 1 inch long. Endangered in PA. Found in southeast corner of the state. Has a clicking call.

Chorus Frogs (4 species)

Spring Peeper

Under 2 inches. Named for its loud, high-pitched “peep” call. Light brown with an X on its back. One of the earliest breeding frogs.

New Jersey Chorus Frog

Endangered in PA. Less than 1.5 inches long. Found only in SE part of state. Rising, vibratory call. Green or brown with 3 stripes down back.

Upland Chorus Frog

Petite gray, brown or green chorus frog around 1 inch long. Has 3 broken stripes down back. Trilling call lasts up to 10 seconds.

Western Chorus Frog

Tiny frog under 1.5 inches found across most of PA. 3 stripes down back. Call is a rattling “creeek.” Can be brown, green, or gray.

Treefrogs (2 species)

Cope’s Gray Treefrog

Mottled gray, green, or brown treefrog that can change color. Grows to 2 inches. Has warty skin and large toe pads. Musical trill call.

Gray Treefrog

Similar to Cope’s but with smoother skin. Varies from green to gray. Grows to 2 inches. Has a short, rapid, bird-like trill.

Spadefoot Toads (1 species)

Eastern Spadefoot

Bulbous eyes and vertical cat-like pupil. Brown with darker mottling. To 1.5 inches long. Explosive staccato call. Spends most time underground.

Leopard Frogs (3 species)

Northern Leopard Frog

Green or brown with round dark spots on its back and sides. Grows to 3.5 inches. Found near marshes and ponds.

Pickerel Frog

Olive to brown with squarish spots down its back. Grows to 3 inches. Found in clear creeks and spring-fed ponds.

Southern Leopard Frog

Rare in PA. Has yellow stripes along its ridges. Grows to 4 inches. Prefers ponds and lakes with grassy areas.

This covers the key species of frogs and toads found across Pennsylvania habitats. Get out to wetlands, forests, and fields to explore the remarkable diversity of these charismatic amphibians. Listening for their breeding calls is often the easiest way to locate them. With a little practice, anyone can identify the frogs and toads of PA by sight and sound. Happy herping!