Frogs and Toads of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Frogs
True Frog family – Ranidae
American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeianus)
The American Bullfrog has no dorsal ridge on the side of their body. It is the largest frog in the state.
The Green Frog has a dorsal ridge down the side of its body which differs from the American Bullfrog.
The Mink Frog has a more marbled coloration than the other frogs in the UP.
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
The Northern Leopard Frog has regular circles around its body. It also has a complete dorsal ridge.
The Pickeral Frog looks similar to the Northern Leopard Frog but has more rectangular markings on its body.
The Wood Frog is known for their dark mask around their eyes. It is a very cold adapted species, it freezes completely in the winter.
Tree Frog family – Hylidae
Eastern Gray Tree Frog (Hyla veriscolor) and Cope’s Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
The Eastern Gray Tree Frog and the Cope’s Gray Tree Frog are identical to the eye. The differences between the two lies in the calls and their chromosome numbers. These frogs are not just gray, they can also be green in color.
The Spring Peeper is one of the first frogs to start calling at the start of spring. They are known for the X marking on their back.
The Boreal Chorus Frog has 3 lines down the back of their back. While they are part of the tree frog family, they are often on the ground in the leaf litter.
True Toad family – Bufonidae
There is only one toad found in the UP, making it easy to identify.
American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
The American Toad is the only toad found in the Upper Peninsula. They are mildly poisonous so don’t let your dog or yourself eat it.
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