Amphibians

Amphibians

Description
Description

Amphibians, belonging to the class Amphibia, are cold-blooded vertebrates distinguished by their life cycle, splitting time between aquatic and terrestrial environments. They evolved from fish around 370 million years ago, bridging the gap between aquatic and land animals. Commonly known members include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Amphibians usually have moist skin for cutaneous respiration and lay eggs in water. They inhabit diverse environments, from rainforests to arid regions, but need moisture for survival. Sadly, they're highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them indicators of ecosystem health, with many species currently threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, and disease.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Amphibians are fascinating creatures with unique anatomical features. They have moist, permeable skin that allows them to breathe through it, supplementing their lungs. Many have four limbs, with the hind legs often being stronger and larger for jumping or swimming. Their eyes have eyelids and can see well in both water and on land. Ears are present but not prominent, tuned to pick up vibrations. Most amphibians communicate through a variety of sounds, especially during mating seasons, like the familiar croak of frogs. Their sense of smell is also well-developed. Amphibians are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a multifaceted relationship with amphibians. Historically, amphibians have played roles in mythologies and fairy tales, with frogs and toads often featured in stories and legends. In pop culture, characters like Kermit the Frog have endeared amphibians to many. Scientifically, amphibians are crucial for ecological research due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, making them indicators of ecosystem health.

However, human activities have led to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, threatening amphibian populations globally. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and pollution control, are crucial to safeguard these vital creatures and the balance of ecosystems they maintain.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the difference between amphibians and reptiles?

The difference between amphibians and reptiles is that reptiles are born with a set of lungs while amphibians are born with gills that help them breathe underwater and then grow lungs and legs later on. Also, reptiles have scales while in comparison amphibians have thin and smooth skin.

How do amphibians breathe?

Generally, amphibians breathe through their lungs as well as their skin. The skin of amphibians has to stay wet so amphibians can absorb the oxygen to effectively secrete mucous to keep their skin moist. If the skin of amphibians gets too dry, they cannot breathe and will die.

What habitats are most common for amphibians?

The most common habitats for amphibians are meadows, springs, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes. Amphibians can also be found in swamps, vernal ponds, and farmland. Amphibians have adapted to be able to live almost anywhere and exhibit it through characteristics in their body and behaviors.

.67”-1.02” | 1.7-2.6 cm
.83”-1.34” | 2.1-3.4 cm
2”-3” | 5.1-7.6 cm
.05-.07 oz | 1.5-2 g
8-15 years
African Dwarf Frog
2.600
3.400
7.600
0.002
15.00
36800
GUIDE
3D
African Dwarf Frog
.31”-.55” | .8-1.4 cm
.28”-.47” | .7-1.2 cm
2.75”-4.72” | 7-12 cm
.05-.23 oz | 1.4-6.4 g
15-30 years
Alpine Newt
1.400
1.200
12.000
0.006
30.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Alpine Newt
1.65”-2.56” | 4.2-6.5 cm
1.14”-1.85” | 2.9-4.7 cm
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm
.14-.18 oz | 4-5 g
5-10 years
Amazon Milk Frog
6.500
4.700
10.200
0.005
10.00
18400
GUIDE
3D
Amazon Milk Frog
2.24”-3.9” | 5.7-9.9 cm
1.69”-2.87” | 4.3-7.3 cm
3.5”-6” | 8.9-15.2 cm
1-1.8 lb | .45-.82 kg
7-16 years
American Bullfrog
9.900
7.300
15.200
0.820
16.00
19700
GUIDE
3D
American Bullfrog
.98”-1.73” | 2.5-4.4 cm
.67”-1.18” | 1.7-3 cm
1.5”-2.5” | 3.8-6.4 cm
.28-.32 oz | 8-9 g
10-20 years
Blue Poison Dart Frog
4.400
3.000
6.400
0.009
20.00
9500
GUIDE
3D
Blue Poison Dart Frog
.51”-.83” | 1.3-2.1 cm
.47”-.79” | 1.2-2 cm
4.72”-7.87” | 12-20 cm
.21-.39 oz | 6-11 g
15-30 years
California Newt
2.100
2.000
20.000
0.011
30.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
California Newt
.79”-1.25” | 2-3.2 cm
.98”-1.57” | 2.5-4 cm
7.87”-13” | 20-33 cm
4-5.5 lb | 1.8-2.5 kg
10-30 years
Common Mudpuppy
3.200
4.000
33.000
0.003
30.00
2350
GUIDE
3D
Common Mudpuppy
1.97”-3.27” | 5-8.3 cm
1.73”-2.87” | 4.4-7.3 cm
3”-5” | 7.6-12.7 cm
.7-2.8 oz | 20-79 g
10-40 years
Common Toad
8.300
7.300
12.700
0.079
40.00
19400
GUIDE
3D
Common Toad
.87”-1.42” | 2.2-3.6 cm
1.57”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
9.45”-15.75” | 24-40 cm
4-6 lb | 1.8-2.7 kg
12-30 years
Eastern Hellbender
3.600
7.000
40.000
0.003
30.00
2050
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Hellbender
.28”-.47” | .7-1.2 cm
.24”-.39” | .6-1 cm
2.36”-3.94” | 6-10 cm
.18-.39 oz | 5-11 g
12-15 years
Eastern Newt
1.200
1.000
10.000
0.011
15.00
6000
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Newt
.39”-.59” | 10-15 mm (Diameter)
.39”-.59” | 10-15 mm (Diameter)
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm
11-20 years
Gaboon Caecilian
1.500
1.500
40.000
20.00
30
GUIDE
3D
Gaboon Caecilian
1.3”-1.65” | 3.3-4.2 cm
.79”-1.02” | 2-2.6 cm
1.75”-2.2” | 4.4-5.6 cm
.5-1 oz | 14-28 g
10-20 years
Golden Poison Frog
4.200
2.600
5.600
0.028
20.00
13800
GUIDE
3D
Golden Poison Frog
4.13”-7.91” | 10.5-20.1 cm
4.69”-8.82” | 11.9-22.4 cm
6.7”-12.6” | 17-32 cm
7-7.4 lb | 3.2-3.4 kg
15-21 years
Goliath Frog
20.100
22.400
32.000
3.400
21.00
25200
GUIDE
3D
Goliath Frog
.51”-.83” | 1.3-2.1 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
4.33”-7.09” | 11-18 cm
.12-.18 oz | 3.5-5 g
6-20 years
Jefferson Salamander
2.100
1.800
18.000
0.005
20.00
2200
GUIDE
3D
Jefferson Salamander
.59”-1.18” | 15-30 mm (Diameter)
.59”-1.18” | 15-30 mm (Diameter)
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
10-14 years
Mexican Burrowing Caecilian
3.000
3.000
50.000
14.00
260
GUIDE
3D
Mexican Burrowing Caecilian
.94”-1.57” | 2.4-4 cm
1.06”-1.81” | 2.7-4.6 cm
1.8”-3” | 4.5-7.6 cm
.05-.07 oz | 1.5-2 g
5-6 years
Mink Frog
4.000
4.600
7.600
0.002
6.00
1210
GUIDE
3D
Mink Frog
.31”-.71” | .8-1.8 cm
.24”-.47” | .6-1.2 cm
2.36”-5.51” | 6-14 cm
.16-.46 oz | 4.5-13 g
10-15 years
Northern Dusky Salamander
1.800
1.200
14.000
0.013
15.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Northern Dusky Salamander
.98”-2.24” | 2.5-5.7 cm
.87”-2” | 2.2-5.1 cm
2”-4.5” | 5.1-11.4 cm
.75-1 oz | 21-28 g
3-9 years
Northern Leopard Frog
5.700
5.100
11.400
0.028
9.00
5090
GUIDE
3D
Northern Leopard Frog
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
9.06”-9.84” | 23-25 cm
.6-5.3 oz | 17-150 g
60-100 years
Olm | Proteus
1.000
1.000
25.000
0.150
100.00
52100
GUIDE
3D
Olm | Proteus
.8”-1.57” | 2-4 cm
.67”-1.34” | 1.7-3.4 cm
1.75”-3.5” | 4.4-8.9 cm
.09-.12 oz | 2.5-3.5 g
5-8 years
Pickerel Frog
4.000
3.400
8.900
0.004
8.00
5820
GUIDE
3D
Pickerel Frog
1.22”-1.77” | 3.1-4.5 cm
.91”-1.5” | 2.3-3.8 cm
2”-3” | 5.1-7.6 cm
.2-.5 oz | 2.8-14 g
4-12 years
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
4.500
3.800
7.600
0.014
12.00
34300
GUIDE
3D
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
.47”-.79” | 12-20 mm (Diameter)
.47”-.79” | 12-20 mm (Diameter)
11”-17.7” | 28-45 cm
1-2 years
Ringed Caecilian
2.000
2.000
45.000
2.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Ringed Caecilian
.79”-.98” | 20-25 mm (Diameter)
.79”-.98” | 20-25 mm (Diameter)
18.1”-22” | 46-56 cm
4-5 years
Rubber Eel
2.500
2.500
56.000
5.00
2300
GUIDE
3D
Rubber Eel
.43”-.59” | 1.1-1.5 cm
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
4.72”-6.69” | 12-17 cm
.13-.15 oz | 3.6-4.2 g
6-20 years
Slimy Salamander
1.500
1.400
17.000
0.004
20.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Slimy Salamander
.71”-1.18” | 1.8-3 cm
.59”-.98” | 1.5-2.5 cm
5.91”-9.84” | 15-25 cm
.4-.6 oz | 11-17 g
20-30 years
Spotted Salamander
3.000
2.500
25.000
0.017
30.00
12900
GUIDE
3D
Spotted Salamander
.51”-.87” | 1.3-2.2 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
.8”-1.3” | 2-3.3 cm
.1-.2 oz | 2.8-5.7 g
2-3 years
Spring Peeper
2.200
1.800
3.300
0.006
3.00
9050
GUIDE
3D
Spring Peeper
.12”-.31” | 3-8 mm (Diameter)
.12”-.31” | 3-8 mm (Diameter)
5.9”-14.6” | 15-37 cm
1-2 years
Taita African Caecilian
0.800
0.800
37.000
2.00
150
GUIDE
3D
Taita African Caecilian
.31”-.47” | 8-12 mm (Diameter)
.31”-.47” | 8-12 mm (Diameter)
39.4”-59” | 1-1.5 m
10-13 years
Thompson's Caecilian
1.200
1.200
150.000
13.00
180
GUIDE
3D
Thompson's Caecilian
.71”-.91” | 1.8-2.3 cm
.79”-1.1” | 2-2.8 cm
5.91”-7.87” | 15-20 cm
2.1-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
14-25 years
Tiger Salamander
2.300
2.800
20.000
0.130
25.00
23700
GUIDE
3D
Tiger Salamander
.71”-1.42” | 1.8-3.6 cm
.55”-1.14” | 1.4-2.9 cm
1.4”-2.8” | 3.6-7.1 cm
.3-.5 oz | 8.5-14 g
3-5 years
Wood Frog
3.600
2.900
7.100
0.014
5.00
16150
GUIDE
3D
Wood Frog
Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Slimy Salamander to other salamanders

The slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus, is a large salamander found throughout eastern North America in wet, undisturbed woodlands and wooded ravines. In these environments they like to stay under logs, stones, debris, or in burrows. They were once considered one species, but they have recently been separated into 13 unique ones. Physically they all are similar in appearance and are best differentiated by range. They are characterized by a blackish-blue color and scatted silvery-white or gold spots with a round tail. The name references the slimy secretions the species produces when threatened.

The Slimy Salamander has an overall length between 4.72”-6.69” (12-17 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (.9-1.4 cm), body height of .43”-.59” (1.1-1.5 cm), and weight between .13-.15 oz (3.6-4.2 g). The typical lifespan of the Slimy Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Slimy Salamander in various poses
The slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus, is a large salamander found throughout eastern North America in wet, undisturbed woodlands and wooded ravines. In these environments they like to stay under logs, stones, debris, or in burrows.

The Slimy Salamander has an overall length between 4.72”-6.69” (12-17 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (.9-1.4 cm), body height of .43”-.59” (1.1-1.5 cm), and weight between .13-.15 oz (3.6-4.2 g). The typical lifespan of the Slimy Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Slimy Salamander in various poses
Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Height:
.43”-.59” | 1.1-1.5 cm
Width:
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
Length:
4.72”-6.69” | 12-17 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.13-.15 oz | 3.6-4.2 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Plethodon glutinosus
Lifespan
6-20 years

Drawings include:

Slimy Salamander top view, side

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Alpine Newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Alpine Newt compared to other salamanders

The alpine newt, Ichthyosaura alpestris, is a newt species that is native to continental Europe; it’s been introduced to Great Britain and New Zealand. They are dark gray to blue on the back and sides with an orange belly and throat, and the female alpine newts are duller in color. They reside mainly in forested land habitats, and the adults will migrate to puddles, ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water for breeding. Both the larvae and adults consume invertebrates, and they fall prey to dragonfly larvae, large beetles, fish, snakes, birds, and mammals.

The Alpine Newt has an overall length between 2.75”-4.72” (7-12 cm), body width of .28”-.47” (.7-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.55” (.8-1.4 cm), and weight between .05-.23 oz (1.4-6.4 g). The typical lifespan of the Alpine Newt is between 15-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Alpine Newt
The alpine newt, Ichthyosaura alpestris, is a newt species that is native to continental Europe; it’s been introduced to Great Britain and New Zealand. They are dark gray to blue on the back and sides with an orange belly and throat, and the female alpine newts are duller in color.

The Alpine Newt has an overall length between 2.75”-4.72” (7-12 cm), body width of .28”-.47” (.7-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.55” (.8-1.4 cm), and weight between .05-.23 oz (1.4-6.4 g). The typical lifespan of the Alpine Newt is between 15-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Alpine Newt
Alpine Newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris)
Height:
.31”-.55” | .8-1.4 cm
Width:
.28”-.47” | .7-1.2 cm
Length:
2.75”-4.72” | 7-12 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.05-.23 oz | 1.4-6.4 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Ichthyosaura alpestris
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Alpine Newt top view, side

Downloads

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Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Comparison drawing of the Spring Peeper compared to other frogs

The spring peeper, Psuedacris crucifer, is a small chorus frog that is widespread throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Their chirping call, similar to that of a young chicken, marks the beginning of spring. The eggs and tadpoles need to be supported by an aquatic environment such as marshes, ponds, or swamp regions. They can tolerate the freezing of some of their body fluids, and they hibernate under logs or behind loose-bark on trees. Spring peepers are nocturnal insectivores, as they consume small invertebrates like beetles, ants, flies, and spiders.

The Spring Peeper has an overall length between .8”-1.3” (2-3.3 cm), body width of .43”-.71” (1.1-1.8 cm), sitting height of roughly .51”-.87” (1.3-2.2 cm), and weight between .1-.2 oz (2.8-5.7 g). The typical lifespan of the Spring Peeper is between 2-3 years.

Set of scaled top and side view drawings of the Spring Peeper
The spring peeper, Psuedacris crucifer, is a small chorus frog that is widespread throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Their chirping call, similar to that of a young chicken, marks the beginning of spring. The eggs and tadpoles need to be supported by aquatic environments.

The Spring Peeper has an overall length between .8”-1.3” (2-3.3 cm), body width of .43”-.71” (1.1-1.8 cm), sitting height of roughly .51”-.87” (1.3-2.2 cm), and weight between .1-.2 oz (2.8-5.7 g). The typical lifespan of the Spring Peeper is between 2-3 years.

Set of scaled top and side view drawings of the Spring Peeper
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Height:
.51”-.87” | 1.3-2.2 cm
Width:
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
Length:
.8”-1.3” | 2-3.3 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.1-.2 oz | 2.8-5.7 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Pseudacris crucifer
Lifespan
2-3 years

Drawings include:

Spring Peeper side elevation, front, plan

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African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
Scale illustration of an average African Dwarf Frog compared to other frog species

The African dwarf frog, Hymenochirus, is an aquatic frog native to Equatorial Africa. It is often mistaken for the African clawed frog, a frog in the same family of similar appearance. The African dwarf frog is also known as the dwarf clawed frog, and its common name references their place of origin and the claws on their front legs. Physically they are small in size and vary in color- from olive green to brown with black spots. They do not have a tongue or teeth and are completely aquatic, and because of their low maintenance, they are desirable pets.

The African Dwarf Frog has an overall length between 2”-3” (5.1-7.6 cm), body width of .83”-1.34” (2.1-3.4 cm), sitting height of roughly .67”-1.02” (1.7-2.6 cm), and weight between .05-.07 oz (1.5-2 g). The typical lifespan of the African Dwarf Frog is between 8-15 years.

Series of top and side view illustrations of the African Dwarf Frog
The African dwarf frog, Hymenochirus, is an aquatic frog native to Equatorial Africa. It is often mistaken for the African clawed frog, a frog in the same family of similar appearance. The African dwarf frog is also known as the dwarf clawed frog.

The African Dwarf Frog has an overall length between 2”-3” (5.1-7.6 cm), body width of .83”-1.34” (2.1-3.4 cm), sitting height of roughly .67”-1.02” (1.7-2.6 cm), and weight between .05-.07 oz (1.5-2 g). The typical lifespan of the African Dwarf Frog is between 8-15 years.

Series of top and side view illustrations of the African Dwarf Frog
African Dwarf Frog (Hymenochirus boettgeri)
Height:
.67”-1.02” | 1.7-2.6 cm
Width:
.83”-1.34” | 2.1-3.4 cm
Length:
2”-3” | 5.1-7.6 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.05-.07 oz | 1.5-2 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Hymenochirus boettgeri
Lifespan
8-15 years

Drawings include:

African Dwarf Frog side elevation, front, plan

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Amazon Milk Frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Amazon Milk Frog to other frogs

The Amazon Milk Frog, Trachycephalus resinifictrix, is also known as the Mission golden-eyed tree frog. First discovered along the Maracana River in Brazil, it is an arboreal frog that is native to the Amazon Rainforest, and they inhabit humid rainforest regions. ”Milk” in the common name is in reference to the milky fluid the frogs excrete when stressed. Physically, adult frogs are light gray with brown or black banding, while younger frogs have stronger contrasting colors. As they age the skin becomes bumpy. They are commonly found in captivity, and while relatively easy to care for, they require an ample amount of space, humidity, and regular cage maintenance.

The Amazon Milk Frog has an overall length between 2.5”-4” (6.4-10.2 cm), body width of 1.14”-1.85” (2.9-4.7 cm), sitting height of roughly 1.65”-2.56” (4.2-6.5 cm), and weight between .14-.18 oz (4-5 g). The typical lifespan of the Amazon Milk Frog is between 5-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazon Milk Frog in various poses
The Amazon Milk Frog, Trachycephalus resinifictrix, is also known as the Mission golden-eyed tree frog. First discovered along the Maracana River in Brazil, it is an arboreal frog that is native to the Amazon Rainforest, and they inhabit humid rainforest regions.

The Amazon Milk Frog has an overall length between 2.5”-4” (6.4-10.2 cm), body width of 1.14”-1.85” (2.9-4.7 cm), sitting height of roughly 1.65”-2.56” (4.2-6.5 cm), and weight between .14-.18 oz (4-5 g). The typical lifespan of the Amazon Milk Frog is between 5-10 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazon Milk Frog in various poses
Amazon Milk Frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)
Height:
1.65”-2.56” | 4.2-6.5 cm
Width:
1.14”-1.85” | 2.9-4.7 cm
Length:
2.5”-4” | 6.4-10.2 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.14-.18 oz | 4-5 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Trachycephalus resinifictrix
Lifespan
5-10 years

Drawings include:

Amazon Milk Frog side elevation, front, plan

Downloads

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