Frogs in Missouri: Missouri’s Croaking Amphibians

Did you know that Missouri is home to a whole lot of fascinating amphibians? It’s true! With a whopping 24 species of frogs hopping around in our beautiful state, you’ll never run out of new friends to discover.

From tiny tree frogs to big ol’ bullfrogs, there’s an amazing variety just waiting to be explored. So grab your binoculars and join us as we take a closer look at some of Missouri’s most marvelous frogs.

Not only are these 24 species a treat for the eyes, but they also play a vital role in our ecosystems and make our state even more unique. So, let’s jump right in and start discovering what Missouri’s world of frogs has to offer!

#	Name	Details	Image
1	American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)	Size: 3.5-6 inches (9-15 cm) Color & Pattern: Green to brown with dark spots and patterns Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-moving streams Vocalizations: Deep, low-pitched calls by males during breeding
2	Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi)	Size: 0.6-1.5 inches (1.5-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Varied green, gray, or brown with darker markings or spots Habitat: Shallow wetlands, lakes, and streams with grassy or muddy edges Vocalizations: Sharp, high-pitched peeping calls by males during breeding
3	Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata)	Size: 0.8-1.6 inches (2-4 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, brown or green with dark stripes on the back and sides Habitat: Marshes, grasslands, wet meadows Vocalizations: Series of ascending, short trills
4	Cope’s Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis)	Size: 1.0-2.0 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, green or brown with darker spots or patches, white underside Habitat: Forests, swamps, wooded areas Vocalizations: Short, rapid trills by males during breeding season
5	Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)	Size: 1.1-2 inches (3-5 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, brown, or green with irregular markings, white spots under eyes Habitat: Deciduous forests, shrubby areas, swamps, meadows Vocalizations: Males produce musical trills during breeding
6	Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)	Size: 2.3-3.5 inches (5.8-8.9 cm) Color & Pattern: Dark green or olive green with small dark spots Habitat: Ponds, marshes, lakeshores, slow-moving streams Vocalizations: Deep, bass-like calls by males during breeding
7	Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)	Size: 3-4.5 inches (7.6-11.4 cm) Color & Pattern: Green with small white or yellow spots Habitat: Rainforests, woodlands, swamps, marshes, gardens Vocalizations: Quacking or barking calls by males during breeding
8	Illinois Chorus Frog (Pseudacris illinoensis)	Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, brown, or olive with black spots Habitat: Sandy soils, preferably near permanent or temporary wetlands Vocalizations: High-pitched and rapid trilling call by males during breeding
9	Northern Crawfish Frog (Lithobates areolatus)	Size: 2-3.2 inches (5-8 cm) Color & Pattern: Greenish-brown with irregular dark spots Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, wet meadows Vocalizations: Deep, snore-like call by males during breeding
10	Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)	Size: 2.0-4.3 inches (5.1-11 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with dark spots circled by a lighter border Habitat: Marshes, swamps, grasslands, wetlands Vocalizations: Snore-like call by males during breeding
11	Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)	Size: 1.5-3 inches (3.8-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Greenish-brown with parallel rows of dark square spots Habitat: Woodlands, marshes, grassy wetlands, near streams and ponds Vocalizations: Low-pitched snore-like calls by males during breeding
12	Plains Leopard Frog (Lithobates blairi)	Size: 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with prominent dark spots and light-colored dorsolateral ridges Habitat: Wetlands, prairies, grasslands, ponds, and streams Vocalizations: Calls consist of a series of low, guttural rumbles and croaks
13	Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)	Size: 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with dark, round spots and light borders Habitat: Marshes, swamps, rivers, agricultural areas Vocalizations: Low-pitched chuckle or snore-like call by males during breeding
14	Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)	Size: 0.75-1.5 inches (1.9-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown or green with an X-shaped mark on the back Habitat: Woodlands, swamps, marshes Vocalizations: High-pitched peeping call by males during breeding
15	Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum)	Size: 0.9-1.4 inches (2.3-3.5 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with darker stripes or spots Habitat: Woodlands, swamps, grasslands, marshes Vocalizations: Short, ascending trill by males during breeding
16	Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)	Size: 1.4-3.7 inches (3.5-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Tan or brown with dark mask around eyes and back leg stripe Habitat: Woodlands, bogs, swamps Vocalizations: Males make a duck-like quacking sound during breeding
17	Eastern American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)	Size: 2-4.5 inches (5-11.4 cm) Color & Pattern: Varied brown, gray, or green with darker spots or patches Habitat: Forests, fields, suburban areas Vocalizations: High-pitched trilling call by males during breeding
18	Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis)	Size: 1-1.4 inches (2.5-3.5 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray or brown with a dark stripe running from the eye to the groin Habitat: Mixed forests, grasslands, wetlands Vocalizations: High-pitched nasal call by males during breeding
19	Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)	Size: 1.8-3 inches (4.5-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown, gray, or green with dark markings, light stripes on back or sides Habitat: Pine forests, sandhills, mixed woodlands, farmlands Vocalizations: Short, explosive call or snore-like sound
20	Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)	Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) Color & Pattern: Gray, brown or green with dark spots and a pale stripe down the back Habitat: Woodland areas, sandy coastal plains, grasslands, urban areas Vocalizations: Short, nasal-like call by males during breeding
21	Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)	Size: 3-4.5 inches (7.5-11.4 cm) Color & Pattern: Green or brown with dark blotches; a white stripe down the center of the back Habitat: Grasslands, sagebrush, floodplains Vocalizations: Multi-trill call by males during breeding
22	Plains Spadefoot Toad (Spea bombifrons)	Size: 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6.3 cm) Color & Pattern: Greenish, grayish, or brown with darker spots or blotches Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, prairies Vocalizations: Males create low-pitched, snore-like calls during breeding
23	Rocky Mountain Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)	Size: 2-5 inches (5-12.7 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown, gray, or green with dark spots and a thin, pale stripe down the back Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, chaparral, and desert basins Vocalizations: Males make short, low-pitched calls during mating
24	Western Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea)	Size: 1.1-1.5 inches (2.8-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown, gray, or olive green with a dark stripe down the center of the back Habitat: Grasslands, woodland areas, desert environments Vocalizations: Males make short “buzzing” or “beeping” calls during breeding season

Are the Frogs Found in Alabama Similar to Those Found in Missouri?

Frogs in Alabama and Missouri share many similarities due to their overlapping habitats, but there’s some variation in species due to climate and geography. Frogs and amphibians in alabama thrive in the state’s temperate and subtropical environments, while Missouri offers a different climate that supports other unique amphibian species.

24 Frog Species You Can Find in Missouri

Get ready to dive deep into the lives of 24 incredible frog species that call Missouri their home, showcasing their unique adaptations and remarkable behaviors.

1. American Bullfrog

Immerse yourself in the world of the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), a striking amphibian with a size ranging from 3.5 to 6 inches (9-15 cm). Adorned in a rich palette of green to brown, they exhibit dark spots and patterns which serve as excellent camouflage within their habitat. These aquatic creatures can leap and swim with grace and strength, due to their powerful legs.

Dwelling in the eastern and central United States, Canada, Mexico, and various regions around the world, they call ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams their home. They satiate their hunger with a diverse diet of fish, crustaceans, insects, small mammals, birds, and other amphibians. The American Bullfrog is even known to be cannibalistic, predating on native species in introduced areas.

During breeding season, male Bullfrogs exclaim deep, low-pitched calls to attract mates, resulting in them laying their eggs in flat surfaces on the water for successful reproduction. Despite being a significant predator, their conservation status remains of least concern and they continue to thrive, showcasing their impressive adaptability. Delve deeper into the world of this fascinating amphibian, and uncover more about its unique quirks and captivating existence.

2. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog

Introducing Acris blanchardi, the diminutive amphibian more commonly known as Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, who dazzles with a varied array of green, gray, or brown tones adorned with darker markings or spots. These energetic frogs are experts in camouflage, measuring only 0.6-1.5 inches (1.5-3.8 cm) in length, and use their powerful hind legs to leap up to 3 feet (1 meter) in a single bound!

Preferring the serene shallow wetlands, lakes, and streams with grassy or muddy edges of southeast Canada and the eastern United States, Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs find the perfect estuaries to feast on their diet of aquatic insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. These agile performers serenade their mates with sharp, high-pitched peeping calls, after which the female lays her eggs individually or in small clumps in the shallows.

Despite being tiny, it’s hard not to take notice of Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs due to their prodigious egg-laying skills, producing spawn almost continuously through the breeding season under the conservation status of “Least Concern”. The blend of their unique adaptations, spectacular colorations, and energetic leaps leave no doubt that Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs are truly one-of-a-kind.

3. Boreal Chorus Frog

Hidden in the marshes, grasslands, and wet meadows of northwestern United States and Canada, the small creature with a big voice, the Boreal Chorus Frog, thrives. Although diminutive in size, measuring only 0.8-1.6 inches, their distinct colors and patterns of gray, brown, or green with dark stripes on the back and sides allow them to stand out in their environment. Pseudacris maculata, as they’re known in the scientific community, have an impressive ability to change their color for camouflage and are remarkable climbers.

Surviving primarily on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, these talented amphibians lay their eggs attached to vegetation in shallow water, filling the surrounding area with a series of ascending, short trills to establish their presence. Fascinatingly, these frogs have developed concentrated antifreeze proteins that allow them to endure freezing temperatures – a vital adaptation in their often chilly habitat.

Fortunately, the conservation status of this Missouri resident is deemed the least concern due to their versatile adaptations and stable population, ensuring these interesting creatures remain an essential part of their ecosystem.

4. Cope’s Gray Tree Frog

Perched high among the trees in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, the enchanting Cope’s Gray Tree Frog thrives (Hyla chrysoscelis). With a petite frame of 1.0-2.0 inches (2.5-5.1cm), this shy creature can blend seamlessly into its surroundings, changing colors from gray, green, or brown with darker accents, while sporting a pristine white underside.

Feasting on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, the Cope’s Gray Tree Frog builds its life amid dense forests, swamps, and other wooded areas. As for reproduction, they embrace their love affair with water, breeding in freshwater habitats and laying their eggs on the surfaces of various bodies of water. This delicate creature takes part in a melodious symphony, with males contributing short, rapid trills during the breeding season.

Possessing an array of astounding adaptations, these frogs residing in Missouri can not only change color, but also cling to surfaces with ease and display an exceptional freeze-tolerance. In fact, they are known to survive even when partially frozen. With a conservation status of “least concern,” the enigmatic Cope’s Gray Tree Frog perseveres, occasionally venturing to the ground, but more often gracing the treetops with its whimsical charm.

5. Gray Tree Frog

Hidden within the deciduous forests, swamps, and meadows of eastern North America lies the elusive Hyla versicolor, a remarkably adaptable frog commonly known as the Gray Tree Frog. Gracefully climbing through their habitats with their sticky toe pads, these frogs exhibit an artistic mastery of disguise, changing from gray to brown or green, adorned with irregular markings and mysterious white spots concealing their bright eyes.

Spanning a petite 1.1-2 inches in size, Gray Tree Frogs feast daintily on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. When it’s time to reproduce, they seek out temporary and permanent freshwater habitats, laying their precious eggs on floating plants. As males serenade their partners with musical trills, their unique adaptations ensure their survival amongst both the branches and the underbrush.

Braving harsh winters and freeze-tolerant, these adaptable creatures prove that beauty and nature’s artistry flourish even in the depths of adversity. Their skill and resilience has thankfully kept them far from the brink of extinction, a delightful testament to the magnificent wonders of the natural world.

6. Green Frog

Behold the vibrant Lithobates clamitans, better known to us earthlings as the Green Frog! Its striking, dark green or olive green hue, accented by tiny spots, easily captivates the eye – a stunning inhabitant of the ponds, marshes, lakeshores, and slow-moving streams across Eastern United States and Canada. This exquisite amphibian masters the art of camouflage with a size ranging from 2.3 to 3.5 inches (5.8-8.9cm).

As a natural-born gourmet, the Green Frog feasts on a delectable menu of aquatic insects, snails, crustaceans, and small fishes. Cunning and creative, it seeks out shallow freshwater habitats for breeding, laying clusters of eggs as a part of its ingenious reproduction cycle. And, oh, how they serenade! The males’ deep bass-like calls enchant during the breeding season, as their bright yellow vocal sacs visually delight.

Frogs that are designed to jump and swim with their powerful hind legs, these phenomenal creatures are highly aquatic by nature. Perhaps the most fascinating facts linger in their ability to magically regenerate lost limbs, forming an extraordinary evolutionary edge. Fear not for their future, as they are classified with a conservation status of “Least Concern.” Our enchanting Green Frog will continue to leap and swim, astonishing us for years to come.

7. Green Tree Frog

The magnificent Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) is an eye-catching amphibian found primarily in the dense rainforests, woodlands, and lush gardens of northern and eastern Australia, as well as the tropical lands of New Guinea and Indonesia. Their vivid color and interesting pattern, with green dominating the skin and small yellow or white spots, allows them to become one with their surroundings, often hidden in plain sight.

Measuring between 3 to 4.5 inches, these nocturnal creatures are nimble and adept climbers, thanks to their sticky toe pads. Hunting insects, spiders, and small invertebrates at night, their dexterity is not limited to land. They are also skilled swimmers, navigating through swamps and marshes of Missouri with ease. Males serenade potential mates with quacks or barks, laying the stage for breeding in freshwater habitats with eggs laid delicately on leaves or in the water.

Despite being listed as “least concern” in conservation status, Green Tree Frogs are known for their fascinating ability to change color, making them popular among humans. They are often found living alongside people, taking refuge in homes or gardens. Their resilience, adaptability, and intriguing charm earn them a special place in the hearts of those who encounter them.

8. Illinois Chorus Frog

The melodious Illinois Chorus Frog (Pseudacris illinoensis) is a petite yet captivating creature, measuring a mere 1-1.5 inches in length. This charming amphibian boasts a delightful color palette of gray, brown, or olive hues, adorned with eye-catching black spots. It’s a true artist, residing in the sandy soils near permanent or temporary wetlands in Southwest Illinois, Southeast Missouri, and Northeast Arkansas.

These tiny songsters may be small, but they have a big appetite for insects and small invertebrates. In true dramatic fashion, during breeding season, the males of the species can be heard serenading potential mates with their high-pitched and rapid trilling calls. Creating their cradle of life in temporary ponds, the female lays her eggs in gelatinous masses near the water surface, ensuring a secure start for the next generation.

But the Illinois Chorus Frog isn’t just pretty and talented; it’s also quite the athlete! With awe-inspiring burrowing and climbing capabilities, this frog has developed impressive adaptations to survive in its unique environment. However, various populations of this charismatic creature are geographically isolated, rendering them vulnerable to habitat destruction. Thus, they’re labeled as “special concern” or “threatened” in certain states. So, let’s appreciate the wonder of the Illinois Chorus Frog and support its continued existence!

9. Northern Crawfish Frog

This fascinating amphibian boasts a stunning greenish-brown hue adorned with irregular dark spots, making it a true wonder of the grasslands, wet meadows, and prairies it calls home in the central United States.

An opportunist when it comes to food, the 2-3.2-inch-long Northern Crawfish Frog feasts on a tasty diet of crayfish, insects, and other small invertebrates. Its reproductive cycle is just as intriguing, as they breed in flooded fields or wetlands, laying their eggs in the water while the males attract the females with a distinctive deep, snore-like call during breeding.

One of their most extraordinary features is their affinity for crayfish burrows, which they not only rely on for survival but also adopt as a crucial element in their own appearance. Their baggy, mottled skin has evolved to blend seamlessly into the vegetation around these burrows. Despite the myriad of adaptions, the Northern Crawfish Frog’s conservation status remains low, positioning them as “Least concern.”

10. Northern Leopard Frog

These captivating creatures are perfectly suited for life in marshes, swamps, grasslands, and wetlands, stretching from Alaska to New Mexico in North America. Their partially webbed hind feet allow them to swim gracefully, while their long, powerful legs support impressive jumping abilities.

With a main diet of insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates, these voracious eaters keep their habitats in Missouri lively. During breeding season, these frogs settle in shallow, well-vegetated freshwater habitats, and females lay eggs in clusters attached to vegetation. To attract a mate, male frogs serenade their companions with a unique, snore-like vocalization.

Remarkably, the Northern Leopard Frog is capable of surviving being frozen, an unparalleled adaptation contributing to their classification as “Least Concern” in conservation statuses. However, it is worth noting that habitat loss may lead to a decline in future populations. Overall, these fascinating frogs continue to enchant us with their beauty, resilient nature, and captivating behaviors.

11. Pickerel Frog

Introducing the captivating Lithobates palustris, commonly known as the Pickerel Frog, a charming amphibian adorned with greenish-brown hues and striking parallel rows of dark square spots. Measuring 1.5-3 inches in size, this agile wonder thrives in the woodlands, marshes, and grassy wetlands of eastern North America, from Canada to the Eastern U.S., often found near streams and ponds.

An omnivorous creature, the Pickerel Frog dines on an array of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. During reproduction, these remarkable frogs can be heard emitting low-pitched, snore-like calls as they breed in freshwater habitats and delicately lay their egg masses on surrounding vegetation. Boasting incredible adaptations, this frog not only produces skin secretions toxic to some predators, but is also a strong jumper.

Though currently of least concern in terms of their conservation status, the Pickerel Frog boasts a fascinating, and somewhat daunting, fact. Their toxins are harmful to other amphibians, which may lead them to devour smaller frog species. Despite this, the Lithobates palustris remains an intriguing and captivating creature of North America’s wetlands.

12. Plains Leopard Frog

A master of agility, its powerful legs provide exceptional swimming and leaping capabilities, as it gracefully navigates wetlands, prairies, and grasslands throughout the Central United States – from Texas to Nebraska, and Mississippi to Arizona.

Thriving in still or slow-moving water, these feisty frogs lay their eggs in clusters, hidden amidst submerged vegetation. With an appetite for insects, spiders, centipedes, and aquatic invertebrates, their guttural rumbles and croaks reveal their lively presence, making them an essential contributor to a thriving ecosystem.

These versatile creatures boast an ability to regenerate lost appendages, making them vital indicator species for ecosystem health. They are resilient, tolerating drier habitats and currently classified under the “Least Concern” for conservation status – a fascinating, dynamic, and significant component of our natural world.

13. Southern Leopard Frog

This charming creature displays a captivating green or brown complexion adorned with dark, round spots and light borders. At a petite size of 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm), they make their homes in marshes, swamps, rivers, and even agricultural areas throughout the southeastern United States.

These curious amphibians have a hearty appetite, indulging in insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. To expand their family, they breed in shallow freshwater habitats, laying their eggs in mesmerizing masses. You may even hear their low-pitched chuckle or snore-like call emanating from the males as they partake in their breeding rituals.

The Southern Leopard Frog is an agile and adaptable species, boasting powerful legs for jumping and the ability to tolerate colder temperatures. Amazingly, they can even breathe through their skin while hibernating underwater. Currently, these splendid creatures have a conservation status of least concern, but let’s not forget their unique features and crucial role within their ecosystems.

14. Spring Peeper

Their intriguing brown or green skin is adorned with an X-shaped mark on their back, making them a small, nocturnal, woodland wonder. Inhabitants of woodlands, swamps, and marshes, these captivating creatures can be found all over Eastern North America, from Canada down to the southeastern United States.

Feasting on a diet of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, these little frogs expertly navigate their environment using their adaptive toe pads for climbing. With harmonious high-pitched peeps, male Spring Peepers beckon their mates dutifully during the breeding season. Upon finding the perfect freshwater haven, these frogs lay their eggs attached to vegetation, continuing the cycle of life.

A true testament to nature’s resilience, Spring Peepers boast incredible freeze tolerance that allows them to survive temperatures up to -8°C (18°F). Although their conservation status remains listed as “Least Concern,” their enchanting presence serves as a reminder of nature’s awe-inspiring, adaptable beauty.

15. Upland Chorus Frog

Measuring only 0.9-1.4 inches, these vibrant little creatures boast an array of green or brown hues adorned with darker stripes or spots, perfect for blending into their diverse habitats that range from woodlands to marshes across the Eastern United States.

These energetic jumpers have an appetite for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. When it comes to love, the Upland Chorus Frog exhibits true romanticism, as the males sing a short, ascending trill during breeding time in shallow freshwater habitats. Here, they lay their eggs attached to floating vegetation, creating a cozy cradle for their offspring.

Never backing down from a challenge, this frog’s adaptations are nothing short of remarkable. Their freeze-tolerant nature enables them to survive temporary water bodies, and they even have the intriguing ability to hybridize with other chorus frog species. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” the Upland Chorus Frog remains a thriving and captivating member of the amphibian world.

16. Wood Frog

Meet the captivating Rana sylvatica, commonly known as the Wood Frog, a forest-dwelling amphibian with an exquisite flair for blending into its surroundings. Sporting a fashionable tan or brown, adorned with a dark mask around its eyes, and a sleek stripe on its back legs, this petite creature ranges from 1.4-3.7 inches in size (3.5-7.6 cm). Its range spans North America, from the bustling wilds of Alaska to New England, with southern settlers in northern Georgia.

A gourmand of small delicacies, the Wood Frog feasts on a varied menu consisting of insects, spiders, worms, slugs, and snails. Its breeding rituals take place in the serene freshwater habitats it calls home, laying its precious eggs in clusters that find attachment on submerged vegetation. The debonair males serenade potential mates with duck-like quacking during these amorous encounters.

The true pièce de résistance of this incredible species is their unparalleled ability to freeze and thaw, permitting survival in harsh, cold conditions. Amidst this extraordinary talent, the Wood Frog is not considered at risk with a conservation status deemed of least concern. The fascinating life of the Wood Frog unfolds with eggs hatching within mere weeks, showcasing their resilient nature and true wonder.

17. Eastern American Toad

Venture through the forests, fields, and suburban areas of Eastern North America, and you may stumble upon the humble Eastern American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus). Spanning anywhere between 2-4.5 inches, these small creatures boast an alluring array of brown, gray, or green camouflage, adorned with darker spots or patches to further blend with their surroundings.

These nocturnal toads have a voracious appetite for insects, spiders, snails, and small invertebrates that keep the ecosystem balanced, all while providing essential insect control. When it comes time to reproduce, they lay their eggs attached to vegetation in freshwater habitats, with males emitting a high-pitched trilling call to woo their partners.

The Eastern American Toad is not your average amphibian, however. Sporting parotoid glands that secrete toxin, and the ability to inflate themselves as defense mechanisms, their fascinating adaptations help them thrive in their environment. Currently of least conservation concern, these small yet mighty creatures certainly have their place in nature’s ever-turning wheel.

18. Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

Hidden amidst the foliage of North America’s mixed forests, grasslands, and wetlands dwells an elusive little amphibian: Gastrophryne carolinensis, better known as the Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad. This petite creature rarely grows larger than 1.4 inches and sports a charming palette of gray or brown. However, it’s the dark stripe stretching from its eye to its groin that serves as its eye-catching trademark.

Adept at evading the watchful gaze of predators, this secretive toad thrives in its eastern United States habitat. This subterranean lifestyle allows it easy access to a diet of ants, termites, and other small insects. When it emerges to breed, the males herald their presence with a high-pitched, nasal song, depositing their eggs in the temporary pools dotting the landscape.

The Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad sports a clever adaptation in the form of a pointed head crowned by a fold of skin, allowing it to escape the jaws of its prey with ease. The Microhylidae family member’s secretive nature and ample habitat have ensured its thriving lineage, earning it a “Least Concern” conservation status. These fascinating facts only add to the mystique of this delightful little toad.

19. Eastern Spadefoot Toad

Found loitering in pine forests, sandhills, and mixed woodlands across the eastern United States, these little amphibians boast an impressive wardrobe, with colors ranging from brown, gray, or green, and adorned with dark markings and light stripes on their back or sides. Spanning a modest 1.8-3 inches, they’re quite the tiny critters.

Don’t let their size deceive you, though – they are fierce hunters. Chowing down on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, Eastern Spadefoot Toads are vital to their ecosystem. Their keen senses might also pick up a short, explosive call or a snore-like sound, which are their vocalizations.

No ordinary toad, this species possesses spade-like structures on their hind feet for burrowing, allowing them to survive long periods of drought. Remarkably, they can rapidly breed after heavy rainfall, laying their eggs in clusters in temporary ponds or pools. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” Eastern Spadefoot Toads have adapted well to their environments and continue to fascinate with their unique quirks.

20. Fowler’s Toad

Anaxyrus fowleri, commonly known as Fowler’s Toad, is a petite, nocturnal amphibian measuring only 2-3 inches in length. Boasting an earthy color palette of gray, brown, or green, this well-camouflaged toad sports dark spots and a pale stripe down its back, seamlessly blending into its woodland, coastal, and grassland habitats throughout Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.

These adaptive, solitary creatures feast on insects, spiders, worms, and small invertebrates, employing their parotoid glands to secrete toxin as a brilliant defense mechanism. By digging burrows to stay cool and moist, Fowler’s Toad can adapt to various environments, even urban areas. Their survival strategy has paid off, with their conservation status ranked as “Least Concern.”

The males, distinguished by their nasal-like call, perform a short vocalization to court females during breeding season. Once the pair breeds in shallow freshwater, the female carefully lays her eggs in strands, attaching them to surrounding vegetation. With their intriguing behavioral patterns and stealthy appearance, Fowler’s Toad is undoubtedly an endearing and vital member of nature’s diverse network.

21. Great Plains Toad

The fascinating Anaxyrus cognatus, commonly known as the Great Plains Toad, boasts a captivating appearance with its distinct green or brown hues and dark blotches adorning its 3-4.5-inch body. This charming creature also features a striking white stripe running down the center of its back, making it a truly captivating sight in the wild.

Roaming across the vast grasslands, sagebrush, and floodplains of Central North America, these captivating amphibians have an insatiable appetite for insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. The alluring melodies of their multi-trill calls echo through the air, as males serenade their potential mates during breeding season in temporary pools where they lay their eggs in long strings.

Notable for their thick skin, designed to minimize water loss, the Great Plains Toad adapts to its environment by employing explosive breeding during rains and burrowing in the soil to aestivate during dry periods. With a current conservation status of “Least Concern,” we can continue to marvel at these extraordinary toads and their remarkable abilities.

22. Plains Spadefoot Toad

Venture into the Great Basin and Great Plains regions of the United States and Canada, and you may stumble upon the enchanting Plains Spadefoot Toad (Spea bombifrons). This mysterious creature exhibits a captivating color scheme of greenish, grayish, or brown with darker spots or blotches, blending seamlessly into grasslands, savannas, and prairies, its preferred habitat.

Measuring 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6.3 cm) and feasting on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, this toad can be quite elusive. Yet, during breeding season, males can be heard creating low-pitched, snore-like calls, luring a mate to temporary pools where they lay their eggs singly or in small clusters. Interestingly, other toads have been known to mimic the call of the Plains Spadefoot Toad.

Equipped with hard, spade-like projections on its hind legs, the Plains Spadefoot Toad can burrow into the earth during dry periods, a process known as estivation. This resourceful creature residing in Missouri also secretes toxins as a defense mechanism. Though its conservation status is currently of “least concern,” heavy rains can draw these fascinating toads to the surface, revealing their presence to the curious observer.

23. Rocky Mountain Toad

Spanning a humble 2-5 inches, they flaunt a sophisticated array of brown, gray, or green hues – adorned by dark spots and a subtle pale stripe gracing their backs.

Residing in the rugged terrains of western North America, from the sweeping Great Basin to the sun-drenched deserts of Mexico, the Rocky Mountain Toad thrives in grasslands, woodlands, and desert basins alike. A master of adaptation, this nocturnal creature harbors a stocky body with short limbs suited for an arid lifestyle. Its preference for dining consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.

Though of least concern in conservation status, the Rocky Mountain Toad boasts fascinating traits such as their ability to burrow and the presence of parotoid glands that release a potent toxin. Being well-adapted to their habitat, these alluring creatures continue to enchant the world with their unique skills, colors, and vocalizations, and flourish in the ephemeral pools where they lay their eggs.

24. Western Narrow-mouthed Toad

Sitting discreetly in the wild grasslands, woodland areas, or desert environments of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, the Western Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) exhibits a fascinating array of colors and patterns. With its size ranging between 1.1-1.5 inches (2.8-3.8 cm), this charming creature displays a perfect blend of brown, gray, or olive green background hues, adorned with a dark stripe elegantly cascading down the center of its back.

The Western Narrow-mouthed Toad embarks on a nocturnal journey each night, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, and an assortment of other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males serenade their mates with intriguing buzzing and beeping vocalizations while congregating in temporary rain pools, where they lay up to 1000 eggs. Interestingly, it is the torrential rainfall that triggers this fascinating dance of love and life.

Mother nature has bestowed the power of adaption on this marvelous amphibian which has developed a wedge-shaped head and elastic skin perfect for burrowing in its quest to find sustenance. Additionally, it possesses a secret defense mechanism: a toxic substance that can be secreted when threatened. Listed under the standard of “Least Concern” for conservation status, the Western Narrow-mouthed Toad is a notable nocturnal wonder, thriving and enchanting those who witness its beauty.

Nearby States:

• Frogs in Nebraska
• Frogs in North Dakota

Final Words

In summary, Missouri boasts a remarkable array of 24 diverse frog species, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and unique adaptations. Embark on a fascinating journey through their habitats, appreciating their distinctive vocalizations, and uncover the secret lives of these magnificent amphibians that grace the state of Missouri.