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
Taita African Caecilian (Boulengerula taitana)
Scale illustration of an average Taita African Caecilian compared to other caecilian species

The Taita African Caecilian (Boulengerula taitana) is a burrowing caecilian found in Kenya, especially in montane forests with rich moist soils in the Taita Hills region. It is also called Taita Mountains caecilian or Taita Hills Caecilian. It can be omnivores or detritivores. It lays between two to nine eggs. Once the young hatch, they feed on the mother’s rich nutritious skin. Like most caecilians, it is blind, nocturnal, terrestrial, and spends most of the time underground. Males are a little longer than females. While juveniles are unpigmented, adults have blue skin covered in contrasting annulation.

The Taita African Caecilian has an overall length between 5.9”-14.6” (15-37 cm) and body diameter of .12”-.31” (3-8 mm). The typical lifespan of the Taita African Caecilian is between 1-2 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Taita African Caecilian
The Taita African Caecilian (Boulengerula taitana) is a burrowing caecilian found in Kenya, especially in montane forests with rich moist soils in the Taita Hills region. It is also called Taita Mountains caecilian or Taita Hills Caecilian. It can be omnivores or detritivores.

The Taita African Caecilian has an overall length between 5.9”-14.6” (15-37 cm) and body diameter of .12”-.31” (3-8 mm). The typical lifespan of the Taita African Caecilian is between 1-2 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Taita African Caecilian
Taita African Caecilian (Boulengerula taitana)
Height:
.12”-.31” | 3-8 mm (Diameter)
Width:
.12”-.31” | 3-8 mm (Diameter)
Length:
5.9”-14.6” | 15-37 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Boulengerula taitana
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Taita African Caecilian top view (assorted)

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Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Comparison drawing of the Northern Leopard Frog compared to other frogs

The northern leopard frog, Lithobates pipiens, is a leopard frog native to Canada and parts of the US, and found in permanent ponds, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams in forests and open areas. In the summer they move to grassy areas and lawns. It is Minnesota and Vermont’s state amphibian. They are green to brown in dorsal color, with large, dark, circular spots on its back, sides, and legs; each spot is usually bordered by a lighter ring. Northern leopard frogs eat a wide variety of animals- crickets, flies, worms, and smaller frogs. They are preyed upon by many animals like snakes, raccoons, other frogs, and even humans.

The Northern Leopard Frog has an overall length between 2”-4.5” (5.1-11.4 cm), body width of .87”-2” (2.2-5.1 cm), sitting height of roughly .98”-2.24” (2.5-5.7 cm), and weight between .75-1 oz (21-28 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Leopard Frog is between 3-9 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Northern Leopard Frog
The northern leopard frog, Lithobates pipiens, is a leopard frog native to Canada and parts of the US, and found in permanent ponds, swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams in forests and open areas. In the summer they move to grassy areas and lawns. It is Minnesota and Vermont’s state amphibian.

The Northern Leopard Frog has an overall length between 2”-4.5” (5.1-11.4 cm), body width of .87”-2” (2.2-5.1 cm), sitting height of roughly .98”-2.24” (2.5-5.7 cm), and weight between .75-1 oz (21-28 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Leopard Frog is between 3-9 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Height:
.98”-2.24” | 2.5-5.7 cm
Width:
.87”-2” | 2.2-5.1 cm
Length:
2”-4.5” | 5.1-11.4 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.75-1 oz | 21-28 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Lithobates pipiens
Lifespan
3-9 years

Drawings include:

Northern Leopard Frog side elevation, front, plan

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Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Mudpuppy to other salamanders

The mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, is an aquatic salamander that lives in the eastern part of North America in lakes, rivers, and ponds. As skin and lung respiration is not sufficient for gas exchange, mudpuppies rely on external gills as their primary means of gas exchange. They are nocturnal animals, and only emerge during the day if the water in which they inhabit is murky. Their diet is diverse, as they consume insects, mollusks, earthworms, and other annelids. Physically they are a rusty brown color with black, gray, and black-blue spots.

The Common Mudpuppy has an overall length between 7.87”-13” (20-33 cm), body width of .98”-1.57” (2.5-4 cm), body height of .79”-1.25” (2-3.2 cm), and weight between 4-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Mudpuppy is between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Mudpuppy in various poses
The mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, is an aquatic salamander that lives in the eastern part of North America in lakes, rivers, and ponds. As skin and lung respiration is not sufficient for gas exchange, mudpuppies rely on external gills as their primary means of gas exchange.

The Common Mudpuppy has an overall length between 7.87”-13” (20-33 cm), body width of .98”-1.57” (2.5-4 cm), body height of .79”-1.25” (2-3.2 cm), and weight between 4-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Mudpuppy is between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Mudpuppy in various poses
Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Height:
.79”-1.25” | 2-3.2 cm
Width:
.98”-1.57” | 2.5-4 cm
Length:
7.87”-13” | 20-33 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4-5.5 lb | 1.8-2.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Necturus maculosus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Common Mudpuppy top view, side

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Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Toad to other frogs

The common toad, Bufo bufo, is an amphibian found throughout Europe, the western part of North Asia, and in a small portion of Northwest Africa. It lies hidden during the day, and it becomes active at night hunting for invertebrates. It is an inconspicuous animal, as its greyish-brown skin covered with wart-like lumps allows it to be hidden. Other physical features include a broad head with a wide mouth and two small nostrils, protruding yellow or copper colored eyes, and no noticeable neck. The common toad moves with a slow, ungainly walk, or with short jumps.

The Common Toad has an overall length between 3”-5” (7.6-12.7 cm), body width of 1.73”-2.87” (4.4-7.3 cm), sitting height of roughly 1.97”-3.27” (5-8.3 cm), and weight between .7-2.8 oz (20-79 g). The typical lifespan of the Common Toad is between 10-40 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Toad in various poses
The common toad, Bufo bufo, is an amphibian found throughout Europe, the western part of North Asia, and in a small portion of Northwest Africa. It lies hidden during the day, and it becomes active at night hunting for invertebrates. It is an inconspicuous animal with its greyish-brown skin.

The Common Toad has an overall length between 3”-5” (7.6-12.7 cm), body width of 1.73”-2.87” (4.4-7.3 cm), sitting height of roughly 1.97”-3.27” (5-8.3 cm), and weight between .7-2.8 oz (20-79 g). The typical lifespan of the Common Toad is between 10-40 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Toad in various poses
Common Toad (Bufo bufo)
Height:
1.97”-3.27” | 5-8.3 cm
Width:
1.73”-2.87” | 4.4-7.3 cm
Length:
3”-5” | 7.6-12.7 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.7-2.8 oz | 20-79 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Bufo bufo
Lifespan
10-40 years

Drawings include:

Common Toad side elevation, front, plan

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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

Downloads

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