![[photo, Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Glen Burnie, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/01glance/wildlife/amphibians/images/1198-1-5972b.jpg)
The Amphibian is an ectothermic (cold-blooded) class of animals which includes frogs, newts, salamanders, and toads. Like most scientific names, Amphibia, is derived from Latin, and means "double life". Amphibians are born underwater, and possess the necessary traits for such life. After an amount of time (varying by species), Amphibians undergo a metamorphosis that dramatically alters their physiology
Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2012. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Anura (tail-less). Includes toads and frogs.
Caudata (tailed amphibians; often simply called samamanders). Includes salamanders, siren, and newts.
Apoda (tailed amphibians, but without legs). No native species in Maryland.
A permit may be necessary to own an amphibian, but one is required in order to breed or sell native species.
"Explore" wall mural, Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland, October 2011. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Bullfrog, American (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Frog, Carpenter (Lithobates virgatipes)
Frog, Eastern Cricket (Acris crepitans crepitans)
Frog, Mountain Chorus (Pseudacris brachyphona)
Frog, New Jersey Chorus (Pseudacris feriarum kalmi)
Frog, Northern Green (Lithobates clamitans melanota)
Frog, Northern Leopard (Lithobates pipiens)
Frog, Pickerel (Lithobates palustris)
Frog, Southern Leopard (Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius)
Frog, Upland Chorus (Pseudacris feriarum feriarum)
Frog, Wood (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Hellbender, Eastern (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)
Mudpuppy, Common (Nexturus maculosus maculosus)
Newt, Red-spotted (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
Peeper, Northern Spring (Pseudacris crucifer)
Salamander, Allegheny Mountain Dusky (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
Salamander, Eastern Mud (Pseudotriton montanus montanus)
Salamander, Eastern Red-backed (Plethodon cinereus)
Salamander, Eastern Tiger (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum)
Salamander, Four-toed (Hemidactylium scutatum)
Salamander, Green (Aneides aeneus)
Salamander, Jefferson (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Salamander, Long-tailed (Eurycea longicauda longicauda)
Salamander, Marbled (Ambystoma opacum)
Salamander, Northern Dusky (Desmognathus fuscus)
Salamander, Northern Red (Pseudotriton ruber ruber)
Salamander, Northern Slimy (Plethodon glutinosus)
Salamander, Northern Spring (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus)
Salamander, Northern Two-lined (Eurycea bislineata)
Salamander, Seal (Desmognathus monticola)
Salamander, Southern Two-lined (Eurycea cirrigera)
Salamander, Spotted (Ambystoma maculatum)
Salamander, Valley and Ridge (Plethodon hoffmani)
Salamander, Wehrle's (Plethodon wehrlei)
Toad, Eastern American (Anaxyrus americanus americanus)
Toad, Eastern Narrow-Mouthed (Gastrophyrene carolinensis)
Toad, Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii)
Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Glen Burnie, Maryland, May 2012. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Treefrog, Cope's Gray (Hyla chrysoscelis)
Treefrog, Gray (Hyla versicolor)
Treefrog, Green (Hyla cinerea)
? Copyright Maryland State Archives
Largest member of the Ranidae family, it may reach 8 inches in length. Predominately found in ponds or marshes (free of fish), also in lakes or rivers. Due to its large size, a Bullfrog can jump three to six feet in a single leap, and has a diverse diet. Primarily feeding on insects and crayfish, it may be observed eating snakes, small mammals, birds, and other frogs. Tadpoles hatch from eggs in four to five days, with their metamorphosis lasting as long as three years. Bullfrogs tend to live six to seven years; longest recorded lifespan is sixteen years.
Dark color, usually green, with four lighter dorsal stripes. Lacks dorso-lateral ridges found in other species. Ranges from 1.6 to 2.6 inches long. Primarily found in bogs and wetlands.
Wart-covered body that is usually brown with green blotches. Dark stripe on each thigh and a dark triangle between eyes. 0.6 to 1.4 inches in length.
Ranging from olive green to brown, with distinct yellow pigment on lower legs. Other distinct features include a dark triangular pattern on head, and two intersecting dorsal stripes. Usually 1 to 1.25 inches long, with females larger than males. Found in forests and hilly areas, Mountain Chorus Frogs breed in ditches. Eggs hatch in three to five days, with full maturaty reached at fifty-five to sixty days.
Classified as Endangered.
Distinct pattern of three wide dorsal stripes, dark brown or black in color. Off-white belly, occasionally spotted. Ranges from 0.7 to 1.5 inches long. Prefers forest swamps, meadows, and shallow streams. In Maryland, almost exclusively found on the Eastern Shore. Eggs hatch in five to twenty days, with maturity reached at forty to sixty days.
Typically green with brown patches or spots, males may have yellow throats. Dorso-lateral ridge extends only to mid-back. 2 to 3.5 inches in length. Green Frogs prefer ponds or marshes (free of fish), but also appear in any area with suitable moisture and food, including ditches and streams. Tadpoles usually mature in a year.
Typically green or light brown, body is covered with distinct dark spots and light dorsal ridges. Also possesses noticeable light-colored stripes, running from nose-tip to shoulder. Some 2 to 3.5 inches in length.
1.75 to 3.5 inches in length. Distinct pattern of square-shaped dorsal spots. To dissuade predators, it secretes a toxic oil (mild irritant to humans)
Green or brown body, with dark spots on back, sides, and front legs. 2 to 3.5 inches in length. White spot in center of the ear.
Generally brown or gray body. 0.8 to 1.4 inches in length. Dark triangle pointing backward between eyes and dark stripes on back.
Tan body with dark coloring around face. 1.4 to 2.8 inches in length.
Carnivore; Caudata; averages 9.4 to 16 inches long; weighs 3.3 to 5.5 lbs.
Classified as Endangered.
Brown, blue-black, or gray back with dark spots or blotches. Long body, three pairs of red gills. 8 to 13 inches in length. Dark stripe from snout to gills.
Classified as Endangered (may be extirpated).
Olive-green or yellow-brown backs and yellow bellies with black spots. Red spots encircled in a black line runs down the back. 2.3 to 4.8 inches in length.
Nocturnal. Brown, gray, or green body with color-changing ability. About 1 inch in length. Dorsal marks form an "X" on the back.
Line of chevron-shaped dark spots runs down back. 2.8 to 4 inches in length.
Red or brown back and sides with black spots. Brown eyes. 3 to 6.5 inches in length.
Color can be either "redback," red (or orange, yellow, or gray) stripe along back with dark sides, or "leadback," dark gray or black. Both have black and white bellies. 2.3 to 4 inches in length.
Largest terrestrial salamander. Brown or black body, with olive- or brownish-yellow stripes or spots. 7 to 8.3 inches in length.
Classified as Endangered.
Brown back with gray sides, white belly with small black spots, four toes on each foot, marked constriction at base of tail. 2 to 3.5 inches in length.
Green blotches on back. Square-tipped toes. 3.3 to 5 inches in length.
Classified as Endangered.
Color is dark brown or gray. Primarily found in deciduous forests, it spends most of its life underground in burrows abandoned by other animals, near ponds. Average lifespan is six years. Capable of shedding tail to escape predators.
Yellow, orange or brown in color with black spots. Herring-bone shaped marking on tail. 4 - 6.3 inches in length.
Stout. Black body with light crossbands. 3.5 to 4.3 inches in length.
Grey or brown body with a light stripe on back. Light line runs from eye to jaw. 2.5 to 4.5 inches in length.
Red, orange or salmon in color with dark spots on back. Yellow eyes. 4.3 to 6 inches in length.
Black in color with silver or gold spots. Sticky when handled. 4.8 to 6.8 inches in length.
Stout. Lungless. Variations of brown or orange in color with darker markings. 4.8 to 7.5 inches in length.
Green-yellow or orange body with dark lines and spots on back. 2.5 to 3.8 inches in length.
Stout. Gray or brown body with dark brown or black markings. White dots may appear on sides between legs. 3.3 to 5 inches in length.
Yellow-orange or red-orange body with two brown stripes and speckles. 2.36 to 4.72 inches in length. Newly discovered in 2008.
Black or gray-brown body with two rows of yellow or orange spots. 6 to 7.8 inches in length.
Brown body with white spots and gold flecks. 3 to 4.5 inches in length with tail comprising 50% of the total.
Brown or black with gold or white spots on back and white or yellow spots or bands along sides. 4 inches in length.
Classified as In Need of Conservation.
Skin color ranges from brown to red, with darker spots and a lighter dorsal stripe. Belly is a mottled color. Adults are 5.1 to 9 inches in length. May be found in any area of Maryland, providing adequate moisture and food. Tadpoles hatch from eggs after a week, and metamorphose in about three weeks.
Skin is mottled, with browns, reds, or grays, two lighter dorsal stripes, and a distinct ridge of skin at the back of its head. Adults are 0.8 to 1.25 inches long.
Classified as Endangered.
Gray-brown in color with yellow lines along back forming a "lyre" shape. Dark brown, sickle-shaped spade on hindfoot. Elliptical pupils. 1.8 to 2.3 inches in length.
![[photo, Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Glen Burnie, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/01glance/wildlife/amphibians/images/1198-1-5973a.jpg)
Toad, Fowler's (Anaxyrus fowleri)
Brown or gray in color with darker spots, as well as a lighter dorsal stripe and white belly. Prefers sandy areas, such as river valleys, and shorelines. Tadpoles hatch from eggs after a week, and metamorphose in four to eight weeks.
Treefrog, Barking (Hyla gratiosa)
Generally green in color, but has color-changing ability. Rounds rings on back. Largest treefrog in Maryland. 2 to 2.6 inches in length.
Classified as Endangered.
Gray or green in color, but has color-changing ability. Light spot beneath eye. Yellow with black marking on inner thigh. Appearance is the same as the Gray Treefrog, but they have a different call. 1.3 to 2 inches in length.
Gray or green in color, but has color-changing ability. Light spot beneath eye. Yellow with black marking on inner thigh. Appearance is the same as the Cope's Gray Treefrog, but they have a different call. 1.3 to 2 inches in length.
Bright green in color, but can also be dull green, yellow or gray. White or yellow stripe separates back from sides. 1.3 to 2.3 inches in length.
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