Frogs have the characteristics of:
- two bulging eyes
- strong, long, webbed hind feet that are adapted for leaping and swimming
- smooth or slimy skin (generally, frogs tend to like moister environments)
- tend to lay eggs in clusters.
Frogs can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are referred to as the "true frogs" because of their generalized body form and life history: the so-called generic frog.
Members of this family include the bullfrog, common frog, green frog, leopard frog, marsh frog, pickerel frog, and wood frog.
One of the most common questions is, "What is the difference between Frogs and Toads?"
Most are surprised to hear that all Toads actually are Frogs!
The physical characteristics can easily get confused because sometimes the features appear less obvious, and certain species even fall into both categories. It is not uncommon to find a warty skinned frog that is not a toad, or even a slimy toad!
Toads have the characteristics of:
- stubby bodies
- short hind legs (for walking instead of hopping)
- warty and dry skin (usually preferring dryer climates)
- paratoid (or poison) glands behind the eyes
- tend to lay eggs in long chains.
- There are some toads (genera Nectophrynoides), however, that are the only types of anurans to bear live young!
