Frog and Toad Identification Keys

This identification key uses questions and answers to help identify the actual species of frog or toad encountered. The questions are simplistic, you should follow the result link to the description page for the frog or toad species and see if it fits. Also check the species description page for similar species, as there may be additional keys useful in distinguishing a particular species from similar species.

At this time, there either are no or few images or illustrations. Photographs for this identification guide that show identification key features will hopefully be complete by 2010, though I may need to use out of county photo for the tailed frog and spadefoot toad eye stripe comparison to meet that goal.

1. Eyes - The Starting Point

Are the pupils vertical or horizontal?

Vertical Goto 2	Horizontal Goto 3

 

2. Dark Eye Stripe

Does the frog or toad have a distinct dark stripe through the eye?

Yes Goto Coastal Tailed Frog	No Goto Western Spadefoot Toad

 

3. Toepads

Does the frog or toad have toepads?

Yes Goto Sierran Treefrog	No Goto 4

 

4. Parotoid Gland

Does the frog or toad have warts and distinct parotoid glands?

Yes Goto Western Toad	No Goto True Frogs