Learn about the Frogs of Prince Edward Island
By participating in this programme you will help to increase our knowledge of frogs and toads in Prince Edward Island. Frogs and toads are a part of local biodiversity – the amazing variety of life around us.
Starting in late March, participants in the FrogWatch Prince Edward Island Programme will be out in full force, listening for frog and toad calls in their local wetlands. FrogWatch Prince Edward Island is an amphibian monitoring programme for people of all ages, all across Prince Edward Island. FrogWatch Observers will monitor their local wetlands (in backyards, at the cottage, or in rural areas) and listen for the amorous calls of frogs and toads. Male frogs and toads will typically start to call in March in Southern Prince Edward Island and into April/May in Northern Prince Edward Island. Spring peepers, wood frogs, and chorus frogs are usually the first species to make their presence known in the spring, but larger frogs like the bullfrog may call as late as June/July. Each frog and toad species has its own distinct call, making it easy to recognize each of Prince Edward Island’s 6 species.
FrogWatch Prince Edward Island Goals:
- encourage community members of all ages to take an interest in their local environment
- collect data on the distribution of amphibian species across the province
- provide a fun and educational opportunity to promote the importance of wetlands and wetland species
- contribute to data on global climate changes
Happy Listening!
Learn about the Frogs of Prince Edward Island
Data provided by the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network
American Toad
Scientific name: Anaxyrus americanus
Classification: Toad
Description: The American Toad is a large, squat toad with warty brown, reddish or olive skin and variously coloured spots and skin glands. There is often a light line down the middle of the back. It is distinguished from other toads by its long parotid glands which do not touch its prominent cranial crests. Maximum adult size is 11 cm.
Spring Peeper
Scientific name: Pseudacris crucifer
Classification: Treefrog
Description: The Spring Peeper is a typical treefrog being small, with enlarged toe pads and varying in colour from tan to gray. It is distinguished from other treefrogs by a dark X on the back. These tiny frogs reach no more than 3 cm.
Green Frog
Scientific name: Rana clamitans
Classification: True frog
Description: The Green Frog is a large, true frog with large, distinct tympanum and prominent dorsolateral ridges. It may be green, bronze or brown, or a combination but is typically green on the upper lip. The belly is white with darker lines or spots. There may be some irregular spotting on the back. It is distinguished from other frogs in that the dorsolateral ridges run only partway down the back and do not reach the groin. The hind legs have dark bars. Males have a bright yellow throat. Maximum adult size is 10 cm.
Leopard Frog
Scientific name: Rana pipiens
Classification: True Frog
Description: A green or brown frog with large, light-edged spots. Leopard Frogs also have prominent light-coloured dorsolateral ridges and a white belly. They can grow to over 10 cm body length but this is quite rare. Adults are usually 5-8 cm.
Pickerel Frog
Scientific name: Lithobates sylvaticus
Classification: True Frog
Description: This is a moderate sized, true frog with smooth tan skin. It has prominent yellow dorsolateral ridges and bright yellow on the belly and undersides of the hind legs. It is distinguished from other frogs by the parallel rows of dark, squarish spots down the back. Adults can grow to almost 9 cm.
Wood Frog
Scientific name: Rana sylvatica
Classification: True Frog
Description: This is a moderate sized, true frog with prominent dorsolateral ridges. It may be reddish, tan or dark brown with a dark mask that ends abruptly behind the tympanum. Some individuals have a light line down the middle of the back. There is a dark blotch on the chest near each front leg. The belly is white and there may be some dark mottling. The toes are not fully webbed. Adults may reach up to 8 cm.