Frogs in West Virginia: West Virginia’s Whimsical Frogs

Well, hello there, fellow frog enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you can’t get enough of these hoppy little creatures. Did you know that West Virginia is home to quite a varied group of frog species? That’s right; you can find 14 different species living right here in the Mountain State!

From the adorable Spring Peeper to the striking Green Tree Frog, there’s no shortage of fascinating frogs to marvel at. So, grab your boots and let’s hop into exploring some of the most intriguing amphibians right in our own backyard.

Whether you’re an amateur herpetologist or just appreciate the beauty and charm that these croaking creatures bring to our world, there’s no doubt that West Virginia is an excellent place to get up close and personal with some amazing frog species. So, are you ready to hop along and learn about these 14 fantastic frogs?

#	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	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
3	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
4	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
5	Mountain Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brachyphona)	Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Light brown or green, dark brown markings forming a backward “Y” or “X” shape Habitat: Moist woodlands, along streams, near seasonal ponds Vocalizations: Short, melodic trill by males during breeding season
6	Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans)	Size: 0.6-1.5 inches (1.5-3.8 cm) Color & Pattern: Brown or green with dark spots or bands Habitat: Shallow, permanent waters with vegetation Vocalizations: Distict chirping or clicking calls made by males during breeding season
7	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
8	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
9	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
10	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
11	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
12	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
13	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
14	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

14 Frog Species You Can Find in West Virginia

Get ready to dive deep into the lives of 14 incredible frog species that call West Virginia their home, showcasing their unique adaptations and remarkable behaviors. From the agile spring peeper to the vibrant green frog, each species displays extraordinary characteristics suited to their environments, from cool mountain streams to lush lowland wetlands. Whether it’s their impressive camouflage, varied vocalizations, or specialized breeding strategies, these frogs demonstrate the resilience and diversity of amphibians. Like the frogs in Maryland habitats, West Virginia’s frogs also thrive in a range of ecosystems, proving how adaptable these creatures truly are.

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. 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 West virginia 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Mountain Chorus Frog

This tiny wonder measures a mere 1-1.5 inches and boasts a captivating color palette of light brown or green adorned with dark brown markings, creating a unique backward “Y” or “X” pattern.

Nestled in the moist woodlands and along streams of the Appalachian region, these agile amphibians feast on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.

Basking in shallow, temporary ponds or flooded areas, their melodic trill resonates during the breeding season, attracting mates under the symphony of love.

Remarkably freeze-tolerant, they can partially turn to ice and still thaw out unharmed! With skin capable of water absorption and a conservation status of least concern, these fascinating creatures continue to dazzle West virginia with their harmonious existence.

6. Northern Cricket Frog

These tiny amphibians, ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 inches in length, display charming brown or green hues adorned with dark spots or bands. Hailing from the eastern United States, these little acrobats can be found amid shallow, permanent waters where vegetation thrives.

These remarkable frogs boast powerful legs, enabling them to leap up to six feet in a single jump! Northern Cricket Frogs primarily feast on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. During breeding season, the males serenade their mates with distinct chirping or clicking calls, laying their eggs in shallow waters attached to various plants.

With a conservation status of Least Concern, the Northern Cricket Frog is a thriving species. One of their most fascinating traits is their incredible freeze tolerance, making them well-adapted to their environment. With such unique features, the Northern Cricket Frog is undoubtedly one of nature’s captivating wonders.

7. 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 West virginia 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. American Toad

The delightful Anaxyrus americanus is commonly known as the American Toad. A medium-sized creature, stretching 2 to 4.5 inches (5-11.4 cm) in length, this charming amphibian sports a varied wardrobe of brown, gray, or green, adorned with darker spots or patches. Adapted to a range of habitats, including forests, fields, and suburban areas, it can be found croaking its way across eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico.

Armed with a voracious appetite, these intriguing l’il toads are the knights of the night, serving as important insect controllers. As nocturnal hunters, their diet consists of insects, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. When the time comes to multiply their forces, they breed in freshwater habitats and lay their eggs, spending their days singing a high-pitched, trilling serenade.

Fear not, for these cute-looking critters are packed with an array of impressive adaptations. Equipped with parotoid glands, they ooze a secret toxin when threatened, and can even inflate themselves to defy predators. Currently enjoying a stable environment, the conservation status of the American Toad is of “Least Concern.” Yet, their fascinating nighttime escapades make them an awe-inspiring addition to our ecosystem.

13. 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.

14. 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.

Nearby States:

• Frogs in Alabama
• Frogs in Arkansas

Do Nevada’s Frogs Exhibit Similar Traits to West Virginia’s Whimsical Frogs?

Nevada’s frogs demonstrate behaviors similar to those observed in West Virginia’s whimsical frogs, particularly in their vocal patterns. Frogs that make noise in nevada produce distinct mating calls that resemble the playful chirping of their East Coast counterparts, highlighting a fascinating cross-regional connection in frog vocalizations.

Are the Frogs in South Carolina Similar to Those Found in West Virginia?

Frogs in South Carolina vary from those in West Virginia due to differences in habitat and climate. While some species overlap, South Carolina’s warmer wetlands host unique varieties. A frogs in south carolina overview reveals a rich diversity that distinguishes them from amphibians in more mountainous, cooler regions like West Virginia.

What Types of Frogs Can Be Found in West Virginia versus Kansas?

In West Virginia, you can find a variety of frogs such as the wood frog, American toad, and northern cricket frog. While in Kansas, you can explore kansas frogs such as the Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad, the Boreal chorus frog, and the plains leopard frog.

Final Words

In summary, West Virginia boasts a remarkable array of 14 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 West Virginia.