Frogs in Arizona: A Guide to the Diverse Species


Frogs in Arizona

The types of frogs in Arizona are the Arizona Toad, Arizona Treefrog, Chiricahua Leopard Frog, Great Plains Toad, Red-spotted Toad, Sonoran Green Toad, Woodhouse’s Toad, and Baja California Tree Frog.

Arizona is home to a rich variety of frogs and toads, with 28 different types of frogs found in the state. 

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of frogs that can be found in Arizona, highlighting their distinctive features and where they can be found.

1. Arizona Toad (Bufo microscaphus)

  • Family: Bufonidae
  • Scientific Name: Anaxyrus microscaphus
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 2 to 3 inches
  • Lifespan: 4 to 5 years

The Arizona Toad is a medium-sized toad that can range in color from brown to greenish grey, with a light stripe across its head.

They can typically be found in streams, reservoirs, and uplands adjacent to water.

This species is listed as Arizona’s state frog and is found in the state’s central mountain region.

2. Arizona Treefrog (Hyla wrightorum)

  • Family: Hylidae
  • Scientific Name: Hyla wrightorum
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Small
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Arizona Treefrog is a small frog that can be found in streams, wet meadows, roadside ditches, and livestock tanks in forests.

They are typically green and coppery brown in color and are found across the central portion of Arizona above the Mogollon Rim.

3. Chiricahua Leopard Frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis)

  • Family: Ranidae
  • Scientific Name: Lithobates chiricahuensis
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Up to 4.25 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Chiricahua Leopard Frog is a larger frog with a length of up to 4.25 inches. They are green or brown in color with irregularly shaped dark spots on their back and legs.

This species can be found in streams and rivers in southeastern Arizona.

4. Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)

  • Family: Bufonidae
  • Scientific Name: Anaxyrus cognatus
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 2 to 5 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Great Plains Toad is a medium-sized toad that can range in color from light brown to dark olive green.

They can be found in grasslands, sagebrush, and other open areas.

5. Red-spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus)

  • Family: Bufonidae
  • Scientific Name: Anaxyrus punctatus
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 2 to 3 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Red-spotted Toad is a small toad that can range in color from light brown to reddish-brown, with red or orange warts on its back.

They can be found in desert areas, grasslands, and other open areas.

6. Sonoran Green Toad (Anaxyrus retiformis)

  • Family: Bufonidae
  • Scientific Name: Anaxyrus retiformis
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Sonoran Green Toad is a small toad that can range in color from light green to dark olive green, with a light stripe down its back.

They can be found in desert areas, grasslands, and other open areas.

7. Woodhouse’s Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)

  • Family: Bufonidae
  • Scientific Name: Anaxyrus woodhousii
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

Woodhouse’s Toad is a medium-sized toad that can range in color from light brown to dark olive green, with a light stripe down its back.

They can be found in desert areas, grasslands, and other open areas.

8. Baja California Tree Frog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca)

  • Family: Hylidae
  • Scientific Name: Pseudacris hypochondriaca
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
  • Lifespan: N/A

The Baja California Tree Frog is a small frog that can range in color from light green to brown, with a dark stripe down its back.

They can be found in riparian areas, streams, and other wetland habitats.

Brian Koller

Growing up on a farm in eastern PA, I’ve grown fond of wildlife and the woods and learning about the critters and firewood and everything else in-between. I made this site to share my experiences and knowledge.

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