Types Of Frogs In Missouri

Missouri’s network of rivers and wetlands creates perfect habitats for numerous frog species. When you start looking into the types of frogs in missouri, you’ll find over a dozen distinct species calling the Show-Me State home. These amphibians range from tiny spring peepers to large bullfrogs, each with unique calls and behaviors.

Understanding these frogs helps you identify what you hear on warm evenings. It also helps you appreciate the biodiversity right in your backyard or local pond.

Missouri hosts about 20 different frog and toad species. They belong to several families, including true frogs, treefrogs, and true toads. Each group has distinct physical traits and habitat preferences.

The most common species you’ll encounter include the American bullfrog, green frog, and various treefrogs. Some species are widespread, while others have limited ranges within the state.

True Frogs In Missouri

True frogs belong to the family Ranidae. They have smooth, moist skin and long legs for jumping. These frogs typically live near permanent water sources.

American Bullfrog

The American bullfrog is Missouri’s largest frog. Adults can reach 8 inches in length. They have a deep, resonant call that sounds like “jug-o-rum.” You’ll find them in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.

Bullfrogs are green or brown with a pale belly. They have no dorsolateral ridges running down their back, which distinguishes them from green frogs. These frogs are ambush predators, eating anything they can swallow.

Green Frog

Green frogs look similar to bullfrogs but are smaller. They reach about 4 inches long. Their call sounds like a plucked banjo string. Look for dorsolateral ridges running down each side of their back.

These frogs prefer permanent water with lots of vegetation. They are common in ponds, marshes, and stream edges throughout Missouri. Green frogs are usually green or bronze in color.

Pickerel Frog

Pickerel frogs have distinctive square-shaped spots on their back. They are medium-sized, reaching about 3 inches. These frogs produce a skin secretion that can be irritating to predators.

You’ll find pickerel frogs in cool, clear streams and springs. They are less common than other true frogs. Their call is a low, snore-like sound.

Northern Leopard Frog

Northern leopard frogs have round spots on a green or brown background. They grow to about 4 inches. These frogs are highly aquatic but often wander into grassy areas.

Their call is a low, guttural snore followed by grunts. They are widespread in Missouri but declining in some areas. Look for them near ponds and marshes.

Plains Leopard Frog

Plains leopard frogs are similar to northern leopard frogs but have more pointed snouts. They are found in western Missouri. Their call is a series of short, raspy croaks.

These frogs prefer prairie ponds and streams. They are less common than northern leopard frogs in the state.

Treefrogs In Missouri

Treefrogs belong to the family Hylidae. They have enlarged toe pads for climbing. Most are small and have loud calls. They are often heard but hard to see.

Gray Treefrog

Gray treefrogs can change color from gray to green. They have a bright yellow patch on their inner thighs. They grow to about 2 inches. Their call is a musical, birdlike trill.

These frogs live in wooded areas near water. They breed in temporary ponds and tree cavities. You might find them on window screens or porch lights at night.

Cope’s Gray Treefrog

Cope’s gray treefrog looks almost identical to the gray treefrog. The main difference is their call, which is a faster, harsher trill. They also have fewer chromosomes.

Both species occur in Missouri. They occupy similar habitats. Telling them apart requires listening to their calls or genetic testing.

Spring Peeper

Spring peepers are tiny frogs, reaching only 1.5 inches. They have an X-shaped mark on their back. Their call is a high-pitched “peep” that carries a long distance.

These frogs are among the first to call in early spring. They breed in temporary woodland ponds. You’ll hear them in chorus on warm March evenings.

Western Chorus Frog

Western chorus frogs are small, about 1.5 inches. They have three dark stripes down their back. Their call sounds like running a finger over a comb.

These frogs are common in prairies and open woodlands. They breed in temporary ponds. They are sometimes called “striped chorus frogs.”

Boreal Chorus Frog

Boreal chorus frogs are similar to western chorus frogs but have a more northern range. They are found in northern Missouri. Their call is a slower, more musical trill.

These frogs prefer cooler, forested habitats. They are less common than western chorus frogs in the state.

Bird-voiced Treefrog

Bird-voiced treefrogs have a call that sounds like a bird whistle. They are about 1.5 inches long. They are green with a pale stripe on their side.

These frogs live in swamps and floodplains. They are found mainly in southeastern Missouri. Their call is a series of clear, whistled notes.

Green Treefrog

Green treefrogs are bright green with a white stripe on their side. They grow to about 2 inches. Their call is a nasal “queenk-queenk.”

These frogs are common in the Bootheel region. They prefer swamps and marshes. They are sometimes kept as pets.

Toads In Missouri

Toads belong to the family Bufonidae. They have dry, warty skin and short legs. They are more terrestrial than frogs. Toads have poison glands behind their eyes.

American Toad

American toads are common throughout Missouri. They have two or three warts in each dark spot on their back. They grow to about 4 inches. Their call is a long, musical trill.

These toads live in gardens, yards, and woodlands. They breed in ponds and streams. They are beneficial for controlling garden pests.

Fowler’s Toad

Fowler’s toads look similar to American toads but have three or more warts in each dark spot. Their call is a harsh, nasal “waaaah.” They are found in sandy areas and floodplains.

These toads are more common in southern Missouri. They are often found near rivers. Their call lasts 1-4 seconds.

Great Plains Toad

Great Plains toads have a distinctive humped snout. They are about 3 inches long. Their call is a loud, explosive “bleat.” They are found in western Missouri.

These toads prefer prairies and grasslands. They breed in temporary ponds after heavy rains. They are less common than American toads.

Woodhouse’s Toad

Woodhouse’s toads are large, reaching 5 inches. They have a pale stripe down their back. Their call is a loud, nasal “waaaah” similar to Fowler’s toad.

These toads are found in western and central Missouri. They live in prairies and open woodlands. They are sometimes confused with Fowler’s toads.

Narrow-mouthed Frogs In Missouri

Narrow-mouthed frogs belong to the family Microhylidae. They are small with pointed snouts. They have a fold of skin across their head.

Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad

Despite the name, this is a frog, not a toad. They are small, reaching 1.5 inches. They are gray or brown with a light belly. Their call sounds like a sheep bleating.

These frogs live in moist areas under logs and rocks. They breed in temporary ponds. They are found in southern Missouri.

Western Narrow-mouthed Toad

Western narrow-mouthed toads are similar to eastern ones. They have a more pointed snout. Their call is a high-pitched buzz. They are found in western Missouri.

These frogs prefer prairies and open areas. They are less common than eastern narrow-mouthed toads in the state.

Where To Find Frogs In Missouri

Frogs are found in almost every habitat in Missouri. The key is knowing where and when to look. Here are some tips for finding them.

Best Habitats For Frog Watching

Ponds and lakes: Permanent water attracts bullfrogs, green frogs, and leopard frogs.
Marshes and swamps: These areas host treefrogs and chorus frogs.
Temporary ponds: Spring peepers and chorus frogs breed in these.
Streams and rivers: Pickerel frogs and green frogs live along streams.
Woodlands: Gray treefrogs and American toads are common here.
Gardens and yards: American toads and treefrogs visit at night.

Best Times To See Frogs

Frogs are most active during warm, humid nights. Spring is the best season for breeding activity. Here is a seasonal guide.

Early spring (March-April): Spring peepers and chorus frogs start calling.
Late spring (May-June): Bullfrogs, green frogs, and treefrogs become active.
Summer (July-August): Many species continue calling, especially after rain.
Fall (September-October): Some species call again before hibernation.
Winter (November-February): Most frogs hibernate, but some may emerge on warm days.

How To Identify Frogs In Missouri

Identifying frogs requires looking at several features. Size, color, patterns, and calls all help. Here are key identification tips.

Physical Characteristics To Observe

Size: Measure from snout to vent. Bullfrogs are largest, spring peepers are smallest.
Skin texture: Smooth skin indicates a frog, warty skin indicates a toad.
Color and pattern: Look for spots, stripes, or solid colors.
Toe pads: Treefrogs have large pads, true frogs have small ones.
Dorsolateral ridges: These are present on green frogs and leopard frogs.
Belly color: Some species have yellow or white bellies.

Using Frog Calls For Identification

Frog calls are often the easiest way to identify species. Each species has a unique call. Here are some common calls.

American bullfrog: Deep “jug-o-rum”
Green frog: Single banjo-like “twang”
Spring peeper: High-pitched “peep”
Gray treefrog: Musical trill
American toad: Long, musical trill
Fowler’s toad: Harsh, nasal “waaaah”

You can listen to recordings online to learn the calls. Practice by visiting ponds at night during breeding season.

Conservation Status Of Missouri Frogs

Most frog species in Missouri are common and stable. However, some face threats from habitat loss and disease. Here is an overview.

Threatened And Endangered Species

The Illinois chorus frog is listed as endangered in Missouri. It is found only in a few counties in the Bootheel. Habitat loss is the main threat.

The bird-voiced treefrog is considered a species of conservation concern. It has a limited range in southeastern Missouri. Protecting wetlands helps this species.

Common Threats To Frogs

Habitat destruction: Draining wetlands and development reduce frog habitats.
Pollution: Pesticides and fertilizers harm frogs directly and indirectly.
Disease: Chytrid fungus has caused declines in some frog populations.
Climate change: Altered rainfall and temperature patterns affect breeding.
Invasive species: Non-native fish and bullfrogs prey on native frogs.

How You Can Help

You can support frog conservation in simple ways. Here are some actions to take.

Protect wetlands on your property or in your community.
Reduce pesticide use in your yard.
Create a frog-friendly pond with native plants.
Report frog sightings to conservation agencies.
Participate in citizen science projects like FrogWatch USA.

Interesting Facts About Missouri Frogs

Frogs have fascinating adaptations. Here are some interesting facts about the types of frogs in missouri.

American bullfrogs can eat small snakes, birds, and other frogs.
Gray treefrogs can survive freezing temperatures by producing antifreeze.
Spring peepers can call from trees high above the ground.
Toads secrete a toxin that can irritate pets’ mouths.
Leopard frogs can jump up to 10 times their body length.
Chorus frogs can breed in water as shallow as a few inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Common Frog In Missouri?

The American bullfrog and green frog are among the most common. They are found in almost every pond and lake. Spring peepers are also very common in early spring.

Are There Poisonous Frogs In Missouri?

No frog in Missouri is truly poisonous to humans. Toads have skin secretions that can cause irritation. The pickerel frog’s secretions can be irritating but not dangerous.

What Is The Largest Frog In Missouri?

The American bullfrog is the largest. It can grow up to 8 inches long and weigh over a pound. It is also one of the largest frogs in North America.

What Is The Smallest Frog In Missouri?

The spring peeper is the smallest, reaching only about 1.5 inches. The western chorus frog is also very small. Both are easily overlooked.

When Do Frogs Start Calling In Missouri?

Frogs start calling in early spring, usually March. Spring peepers and chorus frogs are first. Bullfrogs and treefrogs start later in May or June.

Final Thoughts On Missouri Frogs

Missouri’s frog diversity is impressive. From the tiny spring peeper to the massive bullfrog, each species plays a role in the ecosystem. Learning to identify them adds enjoyment to outdoor time.

Next time you hear frogs calling, take a moment to listen. Try to identify the species by their calls. You might be surprised by how many different frogs live near you.

Remember to respect their habitats. Observe from a distance and avoid handling them. Frogs are sensitive to chemicals and stress. With a little care, you can enjoy these amazing amphibians for years to come.