Frogs and Toads of Florida: A Guide to the State’s Diverse Amphibian Species

Florida is home to an incredibly diverse range of frog and toad species. From tiny tree frogs to giant bullfrogs the Sunshine State has it all when it comes to amphibians. In this in-depth guide, we will explore 31 different species of frogs and toads found in Florida providing key identification tips, information on habitats and breeding, and even audio clips of their unique calls.

Overview of Florida’s Frogs and Toads

Florida’s warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for frogs and toads. The state is home to 31 different native and introduced species, making it one of the most amphibian-rich areas of the United States.

Some of the most common frogs found in Florida include the Cuban Tree Frog, Green Treefrog, Squirrel Treefrog, and Pine Woods Tree Frog Iconic toad species include the enormous Cane Toad, the widespread Southern Toad, and the tiny Oak Toad.

Florida also harbors some very rare and unique frog species, such as the Florida Bog Frog which lives almost exclusively on a military base in the panhandle. The diverse mixture of ecosystems in Florida, from swamps and marshes to pine forests and subtropical hammocks, allows this great diversity of amphibians to thrive.

Identifying Florida’s Frogs and Toads

Identifying frog and toad species can be tricky, but there are some key characteristics to look for:

• Size: Ranges from tiny 0.7 inch Oak Toads to bullfrogs over 6 inches long.

• Color: Most are shades of green or brown, but some have bright color patterns.

• Skin texture: Dry and bumpy skin indicates a toad, while frogs have smoother, moist skin.

• Eyes: Frogs tend to have large, protruding eyes while toads have smaller eyes.

• Legs: Frogs have long, powerful hind legs for jumping, while toads have shorter legs more suited for walking.

• Habitat: Knowing what ecosystems certain species prefer can aid identification.

• Call: The mating call is often the best way to identify species.

Next, we’ll cover some of the most common and unique frog and toad species found in Florida, along with tips on how to identify them.

Frogs of Florida

Cuban Tree Frog

The Cuban Tree Frog is an exotic species introduced from Cuba. It is now one of the most widespread frogs in Florida, often found in suburban areas and able to exploit man-made habitats. They have warty skin that can range from gray to brown or green. These nocturnal frogs have a very distinctive call that sounds like a snore.

Green Treefrog

As their name suggests, Green Treefrogs are almost always green in color. They love humid, swampy environments and their presence is a good indicator of water quality. Males gather in choruses near water to perform their melodic, bird-like call to attract females.

Squirrel Treefrog

The diminutive Squirrel Treefrog is just 1-1.5 inches long. As their name suggests, their rapid, chuckling call sounds remarkably similar to an actual squirrel. They are active after heavy rains, giving them the alternate name of “rain frog”. Their color can be variable, but most are shades of green.

Pine Woods Treefrog

Found in pine and cypress forests, these small tree frogs are just 0.9-1.5 inches long. They come in shades of brown, gray, or green, with darker banding on their legs. Their call is a distinctive “beep, beep, beep”.

Barking Treefrog

Barking Treefrogs live near swamps and wetlands, especially along the Florida coasts. They get their name from their unique vocalization that sounds like a small dog barking. They are green with brown blotches for camouflage.

Southern Toad

The Southern Toad is common in Florida’s coastal plains. A stocky amphibian with warty skin, they come in shades of brown, gray, and olive ranging up to 4 inches long. Their mating call is a sustained trill lasting up to 30 seconds.

American Bullfrog

The largest frog in North America, Bullfrogs live up to their name at over 6 inches long. In Florida their baritone mating call of “jug-o-rum” is commonly heard emanating from ponds and rivers. Females lay up to 20,000 eggs in pond vegetation.

Pig Frog

Growing up to 5 inches long, Pig Frogs are brownish green with dark spots. As their name suggests, their call sounds like a pig’s gruff snorting and grunting. They spend most of their time in the water and are strong swimmers.

Greenhouse Frog

A Cuban species introduced to Florida, the tiny Greenhouse Frog has distinctive ridges down its back. It got its name because it often hitchhikes in potted plants. Its call is a high-pitched insect-like chirping noise.

Carpenter Frog

Living in isolated populations in the Florida panhandle, Carpenter Frogs are so-named because their loud, hammering call sounds like a carpenter at work. They reach 2 inches long and come in various shades of brown with darker spotting.

Toads of Florida

Cane Toad

Also known as the Giant or Marine Toad, the Cane Toad is the largest toad in Florida, reaching 6 inches long. Native to South America, it was introduced to control sugarcane pests. Due to its voracious appetite and toxicity, it is now considered an invasive pest.

Southern Toad

Widespread across Florida, the Southern Toad grows up to 4 inches long and comes in shades of brown, gray, and olive. Their mating call is a sustained trill, and females lay up to 4000 eggs in shallow water. They are mostly active at night.

Oak Toad

One of Florida’s smallest toads, the Oak Toad reaches just 1-1.5 inches long. As their name suggests they are closely associated with oak forests and scrub habitats. Their call is a high-pitched musical trill.

Fowler’s Toad

Fowler’s Toads have warty skin that can be speckled in shades of brown, olive, and reddish-orange. They live in sandy pine and oak forests, coming out at night to feast on insects. When threatened, they secrete a foul-tasting milky substance.

Eastern Spadefoot Toad

As their name suggests, Eastern Spadefoot Toads are specialized for digging, spending much of their time buried underground. When heavy rains come they emerge to mate in temporary wetlands. They secrete a mildly toxic skin secretion when threatened.

Eastern Narrowmouth Toad

One of Florida’s smallest toads, these rarely exceed 1 inch long. Their oval, squat bodies give them a very distinctive “pear” shape. They are brown or gray and often have a yellow stripe down the middle of the back. Their call is a slow musical trill.

With 31 amazing native and introduced species, Florida is truly a paradise for frog and toad lovers. We’ve only scratched the surface of this diverse group of amphibians – there are many more fascinating identification tips, breeding behaviors, habitat preferences, and calls just waiting to be discovered. With this guide as a starting point, new adventures await in the swamps, forests, and wetlands of the Sunshine State. Just listen for their tell-tale croaks, peeps, grunts, and trills!

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