Frogs and Toads of Manitoba, Canada
Frogs
True Frog family – Ranidae
The Wood Frog is known for the mask around its eyes. Its found throughout the province.
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
The Northern Leopard Frog has large dark spots all over its body. They have a complete dorsal ridge.
The Green Frog’s dorsal ridge is incomplete and doesn’t reach its butt.
The Mink Frog’s dorsal ridge is absent or weak. They are highly marbled.
Tree Frog family – Hylidae
The Cope’s Gray Tree Frog and Eastern Gray Tree Frog are nearly identical. The only differences are their calls and chromosome number.s
The Spring Peeper has a distinct X shape on its back. It is one of the first frogs to start calling during spring.
The Boreal Chorus Frog has three stripes that run down its back.
Toads
True Toad family – Bufonidae
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
The American Toad’s cranial crest forms opposing L shapes.
The Great Plains Toad’s cranial crest forms a V shape between the eyes.
Spadefoot Toad family – Scaphiopodidae
The Plains Spadefoot toad is the only spadefoot toad in the province. Look at the rear foot of the toad and you will find a keratinized spade on it which no other toad or frog in the province has.
So interesting! We love the sounds that the tree frogs make, and have seen some beautiful ones where we live in Manitoba – bright green!