Amphibian Identification Guide
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Wood Frog (Rana Sylvatica): a Technical Conservation Assessment
Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project March 24, 2005 Erin Muths1, Suzanne Rittmann1, Jason Irwin2, Doug Keinath3, Rick Scherer4 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526 2 Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837 3 Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3381, Laramie, WY 82072 4 Colorado State University, GDPE, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Peer Review Administered by Society for Conservation Biology Muths, E., S. Rittman, J. Irwin, D. Keinath, and R. Scherer. (2005, March 24). Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica): a technical conservation assessment. [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/projects/scp/assessments/woodfrog.pdf [date of access]. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge the help of the many people who contributed time and answered questions during our review of the literature. AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES Dr. Erin Muths is a Zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey – Fort Collins Science Center. She has been studying amphibians in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region for the last 10 years. Her research focuses on demographics of boreal toads, wood frogs and chorus frogs and methods research. She is a principle investigator for the USDOI Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative and is an Associate Editor for the Northwestern Naturalist. Dr. Muths earned a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1986); a M.S. in Biology (Systematics and Ecology) from Kansas State University (1990) and a Ph.D. -
Red-Spotted Newt Fact Sheet
WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE FACT SHEET DENNIS QUINN Eastern Red-spotted Newt Notophthalmus v. viridescens Background and Range The red-spotted newt (also commonly referred to as the eastern newt) is widespread and familiar in many areas of Connecticut. Newts have four distinct life stages: egg, aquatic larvae, terrestrial juvenial (or “eft”), and aquatic adult. Their life cycle is one of the most complex of all the salamanders; starting as an egg, hatching into a larvae with external gills, then migrating to terrestrial habitats as juveniles where gills are replaced with lungs, and returning a few years later to their aquatic habitats as adults which retain their lungs. In Connecticut, the newt is found statewide, but more prominently west of the Connecticut River. The red-spotted newt has many subspecies and an extensive range throughout the United States. Description The adult red-spotted newt has smooth skin that is overall greenish in color, with small black dots scattered on the back and a row of several black-bordered reddish-orange spots on each side of the back. Male newts have black rough patches on the inside of their thighs and on the bottom tip of their hind toes during the breeding season. Adult newts are usually 3 to 5 inches in length. The juvenile, or eft, stage of the red-spotted newt is bright orange in color with small black dots scattered on the back and a row of larger, black-bordered orange spots on each side of the back. The skin is rough and dry compared to the moist and smooth skin of adults and larvae. -
Sideration of the Population Sizes of Associated Pond Breeding Species
Adult Survivorship and Juvenile Recruitment in Populations of Crawfish Frogs (Lithobates Areolatus), with Additional Consideration of the Population Sizes of Associated Pond Breeding Species Item Type Thesis Authors Kinney, Vanessa C. Download date 01/10/2021 16:58:19 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10484/1808 ADULT SURVIVORSHIP AND JUVENILE RECRUITMENT IN POPULATIONS OF CRAWFISH FROGS (LITHOBATES AREOLATUS), WITH ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION OF THE POPULATION SIZES OF ASSOCIATED POND BREEDING SPECIES _______________________ A thesis Presented to The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute, Indiana ______________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science _______________________ by Vanessa C. Kinney May 2011 Vanessa C. Kinney 2011 Keywords: amphibian breeding, Lithobates areolatus, drift fences - i - COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee Chair: Michael J. Lannoo, Ph.D. Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology Indiana University Committee Member: William A. Mitchell, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology Indiana State University Committee Member: John O. Whitaker, Jr., Ph.D. Professor of Biology Indiana State University Committee Member: John C. Maerz, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Vertebrate Ecology The University of Georgia - ii - ABSTRACT Crawfish Frog populations have declined significantly in both the northeastern and southwestern portions of their range, and are listed as state endangered in both Iowa and Indiana. They are animals with a secretive nature, and comparatively little is know about their basic life history and natural history. To address this gap, and to obtain the information necessary to manage for this species in areas of decline, I studied the breeding biology of two Crawfish Frog populations during 2009 and 2010. -
Chemical Defense of the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus Viridescens): Variation in Efficiency Against Different Consumers and in Different Habitats
Chemical Defense of the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens): Variation in Efficiency against Different Consumers and in Different Habitats Zachary H. Marion1,2, Mark E. Hay1* 1 School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, 2 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America Abstract Amphibian secondary metabolites are well known chemically, but their ecological functions are poorly understood—even for well-studied species. For example, the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a well known secretor of tetrodotoxin (TTX), with this compound hypothesized to facilitate this salamander’s coexistence with a variety of aquatic consumers across the eastern United States. However, this assumption of chemical defense is primarily based on observational data with low replication against only a few predator types. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that N. viridescens is chemically defended against co-occurring fishes, invertebrates, and amphibian generalist predators and that this defense confers high survivorship when newts are transplanted into both fish-containing and fishless habitats. We found that adult eastern newts were unpalatable to predatory fishes (Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus) and a crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), but were readily consumed by bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). The eggs and neonate larvae were also unpalatable to fish (L. macrochirus). Bioassay-guided fractionation confirmed that deterrence is chemical and that ecologically relevant concentrations of TTX would deter feeding. Despite predatory fishes rejecting eastern newts in laboratory assays, field experiments demonstrated that tethered newts suffered high rates of predation in fish-containing ponds. We suggest that this may be due to predation by amphibians (frogs) and reptiles (turtles) that co-occur with fishes rather than from fishes directly. -
California Red-Legged Frog (Rana Aurora Draytonii) and Delta Smelt (Hypomesus Transpacificus)
Potential Risks of Atrazine Use to Federally Threatened California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii) and Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) Pesticide Effects Determinations Environmental Fate and Effects Division Office of Pesticide Programs Washington, D.C. 20460 February 19, 2009 Primary Authors: Mark Corbin, Senior Scientist Brian Anderson, Biologist Secondary Review: Paige Doelling, Ph.D., Acting Risk Assessment Process Leader James Hetrick, Ph.D., Senior Environmental Scientist Branch Chief, Environmental Risk Branch 3: Dana Spatz 2 Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary..............................................................................................................7 1.1. Purpose of Assessment ..................................................................................................7 1.2. Assessed Chemicals.......................................................................................................7 1.3. Assessment Procedures..................................................................................................7 1.4. Atrazine Uses Assessed .................................................................................................9 1.5. Summary of Conclusions.............................................................................................10 2. Problem Formulation .........................................................................................................13 2.1 Purpose...........................................................................................................................13 -
Missouri's Toads and Frogs Booklet
TOADSMissouri’s andFROGS by Jeffrey T. Briggler and Tom R. Johnson, Herpetologists www.MissouriConservation.org © 1982, 2008 Missouri Conservation Commission Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203. Cover photo: Eastern gray treefrog by Tom R. Johnson issouri toads and frogs are colorful, harmless, vocal and valuable. Our forests, prairies, rivers, swamps and marshes are Mhome to a multitude of toads and frogs, but few people know how many varieties we have, how to tell them apart, or much about their natural history. Studying these animals and sharing their stories with fellow Missourians is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding aspects of our work. Toads and frogs are amphibians—a class Like most of vertebrate animals that also includes amphibians, salamanders and the tropical caecilians, which are long, slender, wormlike and legless. frogs and Missouri has 26 species and subspecies (or toads have geographic races) of toads and frogs. Toads and frogs differ from salamanders by having an aquatic relatively short bodies and lacking tails at adulthood. Being an amphibian means that tadpole stage they live two lives: an aquatic larval or tadpole and a semi- stage and a semi-aquatic or terrestrial adult stage. -
Toads and Frogs
Wildlife Center Classroom Series Amazing Amphibians: Toads and Frogs Wednesday September 13, 2017 Alex Wehrung, WCV: Ok, good afternoon everyone! It’s time for this month’s Wildlife Center Classroom Series, featuring some of my favorite animals: Alex Wehrung, WCV Alex Wehrung, WCV: I’m glad to see a lot of our regulars online today, but if we have any viewers out there joining us during a Classroom Series for the first time, let me know in the comments! Comment From BarbG cutest picture Alex Wehrung, WCV: Right?! That's the Fowler's Toad featured on our Current Patients page! Wildlife Center Classroom Series: Amazing Amphibians: Toads and Frogs Page 1 Comment From Lydia in VA ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔ Looking forward to class! I am in the process of learning more about native frogs and toads since we have moved and built a frog and toad palace. LOL Have been on VHS (Virginia Herp Society) page a lot lately Comment From Lydia in VA ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔ Hi Alex! This is a topic I am very interested in! Comment From Guest It's my first time! I'm excited Alex Wehrung, WCV: Welcome, Guest! We're glad to see you online! Comment From Lydia in VA ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔ Is this Guest one I was talking to on Sunday? About these classes? I hope so! Comment From Guest Thank you! Glad to be here :) Alex Wehrung, WCV: Today we’ll go over some of the basics of toad and frog anatomy, biology, and ecology to better understand this awesome critters and learn just how important they are. -
The Salamanders of Tennessee
Salamanders of Tennessee: modified from Lisa Powers tnwildlife.org Follow links to Nongame The Salamanders of Tennessee Photo by John White Salamanders are the group of tailed, vertebrate animals that along with frogs and caecilians make up the class Amphibia. Salamanders are ectothermic (cold-blooded), have smooth glandular skin, lack claws and must have a moist environment in which to live. 1 Amphibian Declines Worldwide, over 200 amphibian species have experienced recent population declines. Scientists have reports of 32 species First discovered in 1967, the golden extinctions, toad, Bufo periglenes, was last seen mainly species of in 1987. frogs. Much attention has been given to the Anurans (frogs) in recent years, however salamander populations have been poorly monitored. Photo by Henk Wallays Fire Salamander - Salamandra salamandra terrestris 2 Why The Concern For Salamanders in Tennessee? Their key role and high densities in many forests The stability in their counts and populations Their vulnerability to air and water pollution Their sensitivity as a measure of change The threatened and endangered status of several species Their inherent beauty and appeal as a creature to study and conserve. *Possible Factors Influencing Declines Around the World Climate Change Habitat Modification Habitat Fragmentation Introduced Species UV-B Radiation Chemical Contaminants Disease Trade in Amphibians as Pets *Often declines are caused by a combination of factors and do not have a single cause. Major Causes for Declines in Tennessee Habitat Modification -The destruction of natural habitats is undoubtedly the biggest threat facing amphibians in Tennessee. Housing, shopping center, industrial and highway construction are all increasing throughout the state and consequently decreasing the amount of available habitat for amphibians. -
Frog Raising
COMMERCIAL POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS IN FROG RAISING While there may be some profit from selling frogs, artificial propa gation of frogs on a commercial basis has not been proved successful. The Fish and Wildlife Service has received thousands of inquiries about frog raising, but to the present time has heard of only two or three persons or institutions claiming any degree of success, so far as intensive frog culture is concerned. Much of the success claimed by a few II frog farms" appears to have been in the sale of breeding stock to would-be frog farmers. The Service has never engaged in frog culture and has never distributed or sold frogs, tadpoles, or frog eggs. Frog farming.--Most of the so-called frog farms, and those that should be least expensive and require the least labor, are simply natural marshy areas or ponds with food and environment suited to the needs of frogs. In such areas the frogs, left to themselves, will thrive and multiply; results may be improved by increasing the shoreline as mentioned below. A pond or swampy area may be stocked with adult frogs, or with eggs. In stocking with adults, better results may be obtained by introducing the frogs in late summer and fall in order that they may become accustomed to their ne~ surroundings before the egg-laying season--April iil the South and Mayor June farther north (in California some species begin breeding in January and February). Smaller species might be hatched to serve as food for the larger edible varieties, but the cannibalistic habit which this suggests dictates a segregation of the commercial species according to size to prevent their eat ing one another. -
Frogs and Toads Defined
by Christopher A. Urban Chief, Natural Diversity Section Frogs and toads defined Frogs and toads are in the class Two of Pennsylvania’s most common toad and “Amphibia.” Amphibians have frog species are the eastern American toad backbones like mammals, but unlike mammals they cannot internally (Bufo americanus americanus) and the pickerel regulate their body temperature and frog (Rana palustris). These two species exemplify are therefore called “cold-blooded” (ectothermic) animals. This means the physical, behavioral, that the animal has to move ecological and habitat to warm or cool places to change its body tempera- similarities and ture to the appropriate differences in the comfort level. Another major difference frogs and toads of between amphibians and Pennsylvania. other animals is that amphibians can breathe through the skin on photo-Andrew L. Shiels L. photo-Andrew www.fish.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March-April 2005 15 land and absorb oxygen through the weeks in some species to 60 days in (plant-eating) beginning, they have skin while underwater. Unlike reptiles, others. Frogs can become fully now developed into insectivores amphibians lack claws and nails on their developed in 60 days, but many (insect-eaters). Then they leave the toes and fingers, and they have moist, species like the green frog and bullfrog water in search of food such as small permeable and glandular skin. Their can “overwinter” as tadpoles in the insects, spiders and other inverte- skin lacks scales or feathers. bottom of ponds and take up to two brates. Frogs and toads belong to the years to transform fully into adult Where they go in search of this amphibian order Anura. -
Quick Guide to Calling Amphibians Reference: Maine’S Amphibians and Reptiles
Quick Guide to Calling Amphibians Reference: Maine’s Amphibians and Reptiles Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer): One of Maine’s most widespread species and our smallest frog, measuring under an inch and a half, with a dark, imperfect cross or “X” pattern on the back. It has relatively smooth skin and is generally brown to gray with some yellow on the throat. A full chorus of these tiny frogs can be heard up to a half-mile away; each male makes a shrill, pure, high-pitched breeding call. Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica): The first frog to emerge in the spring, the wood frog can tolerate cold and even freezing temperatures for short periods of ©USGS NEARMI time. It has a dark mask over and below each eye ©USGS NEARMI and is otherwise dark red or tan. Wood frogs are widespread in Maine but limit their breeding generally to temporary or vernal pools. The wood frog’s call sounds like the quack of a duck. ©James Hardy ©James Hardy American Toad (Bufo americanus): Maine’s only toad, the American toad has dry, bumpy skin and is largely terrestrial, going in water only to breed and lay eggs. Its call is a high, musical trill that can last 30 seconds or more. Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens): Apparent declines in the population make the northern leopard frog a species of “Special Concern” in the state of Maine. The leopard frog and its close cousin the pickerel frog are the only frogs in Maine with distinct spots. The leopard frog has two to three unevenly spaced rows of irregular oval spots on its back. -
Key to the Identification of Streamside Salamanders
Key to the Identification of Streamside Salamanders Ambystoma spp., mole salamanders (Family Ambystomatidae) Appearance : Medium to large stocky salamanders. Large round heads with bulging eyes . Larvae are also stocky and have elaborate gills. Size: 3-8” (Total length). Spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum Habitat: Burrowers that spend much of their life below ground in terrestrial habitats. Some species, (e.g. marbled salamander) may be found under logs or other debris in riparian areas. All species breed in fishless isolated ponds or wetlands. Range: Statewide. Other: Five species in Georgia. This group includes some of the largest and most dramatically patterned terrestrial species. Marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum Amphiuma spp., amphiuma (Family Amphiumidae) Appearance: Gray to black, eel-like bodies with four greatly reduced, non-functional legs (A). Size: up to 46” (Total length) Habitat: Lakes, ponds, ditches and canals, one species is found in deep pockets of mud along the Apalachicola River floodplains. A Range: Southern half of the state. Other: One species, the two-toed amphiuma ( A. means ), shown on the right, is known to occur in A. pholeter southern Georgia; a second species, ,Two-toed amphiuma, Amphiuma means may occur in extreme southwest Georgia, but has yet to be confirmed. The two-toed amphiuma (shown in photo) has two diminutive toes on each of the front limbs. Cryptobranchus alleganiensis , hellbender (Family Cryptobranchidae) Appearance: Very large, wrinkled salamander with eyes positioned laterally (A). Brown-gray in color with darker splotches Size: 12-29” (Total length) A Habitat: Large, rocky, fast-flowing streams. Often found beneath large rocks in shallow rapids. Range: Extreme northern Georgia only.