Identification of Amphibians in Alberta
Last Review/Updated: May 30, 2002
Within Alberta there are 10 species of amphibians: two salamanders and eight frogs and toads. The frogs and toads can be subdivided into true toads (three species), spadefoots (one species), tree frogs (one species), and true frogs (three species).
In general it is quite easy to determine the species in question. Unfortunately, colour is not always a reliable indicator as many species can display a range of colours. Often the pattern of spots or stripes is the best indicator for the frogs. Initially, the toads can be more difficult to identify as they all seem large and warty. However, the presence or absence of a ridge between the eyes is an obvious and reliable diagnostic key.
The following key works best if you have the species in question in hand. It should allow you to identify any amphibian native to the province.
To use the key, start at 1 and choose the option (A or B) that best describes the amphibian in question. Proceed to the next number as indicated by your choice and choose the option presented there. Repeat until you reach a species name that is linked to its description. To confirm your identification compare the amphibian in question with the photographs and range maps that accompany the species descriptions.
Identification Key to Adult Amphibians
| 1 | |||
| A | Body covered with scales | You've got a reptile! | |
| B | Body does not have scales | go to 2 | |
| 2 | |||
| A | Hind legs same length as front legs and are not modified for hopping; long tail | go to 3 | |
| B | Hind legs much longer than front legs, and are muscular and modified for hopping; no tail | go to 4 | |
| 3 | ||||
| A | Irregular yellowish stripe (may be broken) down back; 4th toe on hind foot noticeably longer than the other toes. |  |
long-toed salamander | |
| B | Back and sides striped or spotted; 4th toe about the same length as others. | tiger salamander | ||
| 4 | |||
| A | Dorsolateral folds (ridges) present. | go to 5 | |
| B | Dorsolateral folds absent. | go to 7 | |
| 5 | |||
| A | Green or brown, with light-coloured dorsolateral folds and dark spots with a light border | northern leopard frog | |
| B | Dorsolateral folds small and not light-coloured | go to 6 | |
| 6 | |||
| A | Dark eye mask; back smooth; no red on belly | wood frog | |
| B | No eye mask; small warts on back; red colour on belly | spotted frog | |
| 7 | |||
| A | Skin fairly smooth and parotoid glands absent | go to 8 | |
| B | Skin very warty and parotoid (poison) glands present | go to 9 | |
| 8 | |||
| A | Large, squat body; single black knob or "spade" on hind feet; pupil vertical | Plains Spadefoot | |
| B | Small, slender body; no knob on hind feet; pupil horizontal | boreal chorus frog | |
| 9 | |||
| A | No cranial crest (raised ridge between eyes) | western toad | |
| B | Cranial crests present | go to 10 | |
| 10 | |||
| A | Cranial crests parallel or joined behind eyes to form one raised ridge; belly spotted | Canadian toad | |
| B | Cranial crests diverge behind eyes; belly unspotted | great plains toad | |
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Introduction | Identifying
Amphibians | Biology of Amphibians | Global
Decline
Amphibian Monitoring Project | RANA
Project
