Michigan is home to a fascinating array of frog and toad species. These amphibians play an important role in the state’s ecosystems and serve as indicators of environmental health. Learning to identify Michigan’s frogs and toads by sight and sound can be a rewarding hobby that connects you to nature. This article provides an overview of the major frog and toad species found in Michigan, including identification tips, natural history facts, and conservation issues.
Major Frog Species in Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 13 species of frogs and toads inhabit the state. Here are some of the most common and distinctive Michigan frog species:
Green Frog
The green frog (Lithobates clamitans) is one of the most abundant and widespread frogs in Michigan. As their name suggests, these frogs are greenish-brown in color with darker mottling on the head. They produce a distinct call that sounds like a loose banjo string being plucked – “gunk, gunk, gunk.” Green frogs prefer permanent bodies of water and are found throughout Michigan.
Wood Frog
Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are aptly named for their affinity for moist woodland habitats. They have a brown, tan, or rusty coloration and a dark “robber’s mask” behind each eye Wood frogs make a duck-like quacking sound (“ca-aaach”) Their unique physiology allows them to freeze solid during winter hibernation and thaw in spring.
Northern Leopard Frog
As Michigan’s largest frog species, northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) can reach 4 inches long These frogs are green, brown, or green-brown with prominent dark spots They produce snoring or grunting calls. Northern leopard frogs inhabit various wetlands and fields across Michigan.
Spring Peeper
The tiny spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is only 0.75 to 1.5 inches long. This frog comes in shades of brown and has an X-shaped marking on its back. Spring peepers make a high-pitched “peep” sound, usually in early spring. They are found statewide in wooded wetlands.
American Bullfrog
American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are Michigan’s largest frog species, sometimes weighing over 1 pound. These green or brown frogs have a very deep, resonant call that resembles a cow’s moo. American bullfrogs prefer permanent bodies of water with abundant vegetation.
Gray Treefrog
True to their name, gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) are adept climbers usually found on tree branches and leaves. Their color can range from green to gray to brown based on their surroundings. They have a musical, bird-like trilling call. Gray treefrogs are common statewide in wooded areas.
Western Chorus Frog
The small, striped western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) grows up to 1.5 inches long. Males have a distinct yellow throat sac that inflates during their repetitive, comb-like breeding call. Western chorus frogs inhabit various wetlands across Michigan.
Notable Toad Species in Michigan
Michigan is also home to two common toad species:
American Toad
American toads (Anaxyrus americanus) vary widely in color but generally have warty skin. They make sustained trilling calls. These adaptable toads are found throughout Michigan in semi-permanent wetlands.
Fowler’s Toad
Fowler’s toads (Anaxyrus fowleri) resemble American toads but have 3 warts per dark spot on their back. They give loud bleating calls. Fowler’s toads prefer more sandy habitats and are found in western and southern Michigan.
Identification Tips
Distinguishing between frog and toad species relies heavily on sight, sound, and habitat clues:
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Note skin texture – frogs have smooth moist skin while toads are dry and warty
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Listen for breeding calls of each species
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Look for key markings like stripes, spots, or color patterns
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Pay attention to preferred habitat – aquatic vs terrestrial, wooded vs open, etc
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Notice jumping style – frogs have longer hind legs and make bigger leaps than toads
Natural History and Conservation
Michigan’s frogs and toads exhibit amazing adaptions for surviving in cold climates. Special antifreeze-like substances in their cells allow some species to freeze and thaw annually. Others spend winters buried in the mud at the bottom of lakes and ponds. Most breed in early spring, with some starting as soon as ice thaws. Females lay eggs in water, and tadpoles transform into froglets during summer.
Habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and disease have caused some Michigan frog populations to decline. Three species are listed as threatened or of special concern. Careful wetland conservation and public education are key to protecting Michigan’s frogs.
Getting outside to identify frog calls and admire their beauty is a simple pleasure. Understanding the crucial role frogs play in ecosystems as both prey and predator gives us motivation to ensure these engaging creatures thrive in Michigan for generations to come.
Eastern Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
The grey treefrog may range in color from green to brown to grey (as shown above). During the day, they may be found sleeping on tree branches or leaves. Their toes have a sticky pad which allows them to easily climb vertically up windows, siding, trees; etc. They may be found throughout the state.
Female grey tree frogs may lay 1,000-2,000 eggs in clusters of 10-40. Tadpoles can be distinguished by their redish-orange tails. Male grey treefrogs have a short melodic trill that lasts only a second. They will generally call on warm and humid evenings between April & July. Below is a video of the Gray treefrog calling.
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
The Green Frog is abundant throughout Michigan. It is typically greenish-brown with dark mottling on its head, chest and under its legs. The throat color ranges to yellow for a male to white for the females.
These frogs can produce as many as 6 different calls – however the most distinctive sound is a throaty boink that sounds like a loose banjo string being plucked. Listen to the video below to hear!
Frogs and Toads of Michigan Episode 1
What frogs live in Michigan?
Michigan is home to 14 species of frogs and toads, from the chirpy spring peeper to the deep base twang of the bullfrog, these amphibians form a symphony of calls once they emerge each year. Eastern American toad. Fowler’s toad: This species is only found on the western side of Michigan; this is a species of special concern in Michigan.
Are there frogs and toads in Michigan?
Michigan initiated the Michigan frog and toad study in 1988 to monitor the long term populations of frogs and toads. Learn more about how you can help here. Buy your own field guide to Michigan’s frogs and toads here. Here are the frogs and Toads that can be found in Michigan:
Are frogs poisonous in Michigan?
There are two poisonous frogs in Michigan: the Eastern American and Fowler’s toad. Both frogs aren’t lethal to humans and are only harmful to their predators. Their glands produce a steroidal venom called Bufotoxin which can trigger cardiac arrest or seizure. For humans, it can irritate the eyes and nose.
Are frogs regulated in Michigan?
Take and possession of Michigan’s native reptiles and amphibians is highly regulated. See the current Michigan Fishing Guide for these important rules and a list of protected species. Learning all you can about our native frog and toad species.
Are frogs endangered in Michigan?
Frogs in this state can even be highly violated to changes in weather or water cleanliness. Some species such as Pickerel Frogs may even disappear due to disturbed environments. Many species of frogs in Michigan have either a threatened or an endangered status in the state. Michigan is home to all of the following frog species. 1. Green Frog
How big do frogs get in Michigan?
Adult body lengths range from 3.6 to 6 inches. Coloration is typically olive green, with some individuals having gray or brown mottling or spots. Fully webbed back feet. The American Bullfrog is the largest frog in Michigan! Believe it or not, they can grow to weigh as much as 1.5 pounds (.7 kg). American Bullfrog Range Map Green = native range.