Frogs and toads belong to the order Anura. These are amphibians that do not have tails and whose bodies are short and compact. Their eggs lack shells, instead being laid in a jelly-like substance within freshwater in order for them to stay hydrated. Eggs hatch into aquatic larvae called tadpoles, eventually undergoing a process called metamorphosis where they will change into their adult form. Tadpoles grow their back legs first, then their front legs as skin grows over their gills. At this point they are known as froglets. Once they absorb their tail they become a frog.

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Frogs can be distinguished by their long hind legs and smooth, moist skin. Toads can be recognized by their shorter, stubby legs and rough skin. Across the world there are over 7,000 species of frogs and toads, of which 11 can be found in Connecticut (AmphibiaWeb, 2024). Here in Connecticut the majority belong to the genus Lithobates, primarily aquatic true frogs. Some are arboreal, from the genera Hyla and Pseudacris. Others in the genus Scaphiopus spend most of their time in burrows. Two species of true toads live in Connecticut, belonging to the genus Anaxyrus.

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To learn more about the frogs and toads found in Connecticut, click on a species below: