Banded Bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra)

OTHER NAMES: Chubby Frog, Asian Painted Frog, Rice Frog Bubble Frog
Latin Etymology: Kaloula (?) pulchra (?)

Young Banded Bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra) at Siem Reap, Cambodia - February 2019

Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: ?  /  Length: 8cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Sometimes you go looking for wildlife, sometimes you find it obstructing the outdoor shoe cupboard at 5am while setting off to see different wildlife.  I have historically terrible luck in seeing amphibians internationally, and in fact this was my very first outside the UK!  The circumstances were a bit perculiar; not knowing whether it was poisonous or not (yes, but not in a dangerous to humans way it turns out according to the internet) I had to carefully nudge it with the shoe-cupboard door until it decided to move enough for me to retrieve my footware.

Related Species:
Order: Anura
Family: Microhylidae
Genus: Kaloula
SUBSPECIES: ?

 - Sighting Locations -

CAMBODIA - Khmer: ហ៊ីង ("Hing")

- A common resident

 - CAMBODIA/SINGAPORE 2019 TRIP: One seen at Siem Reap

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus)

OTHER NAMES: Lake Frog, Laughing Frog

Latin Etymology: Pelophylax (possibly "earth watcher") ridibundus ("laughing")

Two adult Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ribidundus - unknown subspecies) at Rainham Marshes, London - July 2011

Featured Subspecies: unknown
Weight: 14g  /  Length: 12-17cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

An introduced species, the Marsh Frog is normally resident in Europe, but has established itself in parts of the UK. They can be seen in various sites around the Thames, but I've personally only seen them at Rainham marshes. They are a bit bigger than our native frogs, and also a lot noisier - they produce a stereotypical frog like croak, and can sometimes be seen inflating their cheeks to do so.

Related Species: 
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Pelophylax 
SUBSPECIES: unknown

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Common resident of South-East England.

 - Seen at Oare Marshes and Rainham Marshes

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

OTHER NAMES: Frog, European Common Frog, Brown Frog, Grass Frog
Latin Etymology: Rana (imitative of croaking) temporaria (possibly "temporary")

Adult Common Frog (subspecies R. t. temporaria) at Geddington, Northants - August 2010

Featured Subspecies: Rana temporaria temporaria
Weight: 22g  /  Length: 6-9cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

By far the most easy to see amphibian in the UK, the common frog can be found in a good portion of places as long as there is a permanent small body of water in which to live. They seem to establish themselves in garden ponds very easily, and their globular frogspawn in spring also gives away their presence. In small garden ponds they can often be seen basking on rocks at the edge of the pond. They are very widely variable in colour - ranging brown, green, red, yellow and others.

Related Species:
Order: Anura
Family: Ranidae
Genus: Rana
SUBSPECIES: R. t. temporaria, R. t. honnorati, R. t. parvipalmata

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - Common resident.

 - Seen at a number of locations including Geddington

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto .

Pool Frog (Pelophylax lessonae)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Pelophylax ("mud sentinel") lessonae (named for Michele Lessona)

Adult male Pool Frog (subspecies ) at Great Pingo Trail, Norfolk - May 2024

Featured Subspecies: ?
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 6-9cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED/ IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species with a perculiar history in the UK - a population was long found in "pingos" in Norfolk - ancient glacial potholes from the ice age now turned into a scarce but rich habitat. It was long believed that these had been an in introduced population, however after their national extinction in the 90's, evidence was found proving their indigenous status.  As such, a reintroduction scheme has taken place, restoring them back to their ancestral ponds. 

Related Species:
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Pelophylax 
SUBSPECIES: ?

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A rare and extremely localised reintroduced species, found at only 1 or 2 sites.
 - One seen on the Great Pingo Trail in May 2024

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Lithobates ("Rock climber") clamitans ("loud calling")

Adult Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) at St Charles, Illinois, USA- August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Northern Green Frog - Lithobates clamitans melanota
Weight: 28-85g  /  Length: 5-10cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A common species of frog found in the Eastern United States, they are an adaptable species capable of making use of various different bodies of water, and are moderately able to use suburban habitats.  Male Green Frogs are sexually mature in their first year or life, while females take 2-3 years, although there have also been documented instances of them being able to switch sexes.

Related Species:
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Lithobates 
SUBSPECIES: L. c. clamitans, L. c. melanota

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in most of the Eastern Lower 48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology:  Lithobates ("Rock climber") pipiens ("piping")

Adult Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) at North Dakota, USA- July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 22g  /  Length: 11cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A frog that can endure the cold well, they can be found in as harsh environments as the Hudson Bay and elavations of above 3000m. They come in a wide variety of morphs, though most famously the lime green with black spots that give them their name, they do also come in morphs that neither of these is that obvious. They have been used extensively in research ino how neurons work.

Related Species:
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Lithobates 
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in North-Central and Centre-West Lower  48
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in North Dakota

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

OTHER NAMES: Bullfrog
Latin Etymology:  Lithobates ("Rock climber") catesbeianus (for Naturalist Mark Catesby)

Adult American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) at Harrier Lake, St Charles, Illinois - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 175-500g  /  Length: 9-15cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large species of frog whose native range is in the Eastern United States but is a major invasive species in various locations around the world.  They are ambush predators and will target anything that they can overpower and fit in their mouth, which can include such ambitious targets as small reptiles, small birds, scorpions, tarantulas and crayfish, as well as unusually for frogs in North America, aquatic species.

Related Species:
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Lithobates 
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in most of the Eastern Lower 48, Invasive in much of West
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Illinois

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Green-and-Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus)

OTHER NAMES: Green-and-black Poison Arrow Frog, Green Poison Dart Frog, Green Poison Frog
Latin Etymology: Dendrobates ("tree climber") auratus ("gilded")

Adult Green and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) at Carara, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A

Weight: 3-10 grams  /  Length: 1.9-2.5cm

NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

As a member of the famous poison dart frog family, this species is indeed intensely poisonous, however, this actually comes from their diet of ants and mites which the frogs metabolise into a complex set of alkaloid poisons which can cause many side effects including numbness, loss of motor control, cardiac arrest or death to a creature foolish enough to consume one.  Despite the name, it is extremely colour variable and some populations lack green, black or in one case, eiter for different colour combinations.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura
Family: Dendrobatidae
Genus: Dendrobates
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A fairly widespread species of coast
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Carara National Park

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Savage's Thin-toed Frog (Leptodactylus savagei)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Leptodactylus ("thin toed") savagei (Savage's)

Adult Savage's Thin-toed Frog (Leptodactylus savagei) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: 
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 14.6cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A large nocturnal frog of Honduras to Colombia, their reproducive cycle inolves creating a 2-7 litre foam nest in which the eggs are laid which feed and keep the tadpoles moist during the entire cycle. During the breeding season, they are also noted for the males developing huge, thick forelimbs, seemingly to grasp females during mating. They are voracious predators and will eat more or less any prey that they can fit in their mouths.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura
Family: Leptodactylidae
Genus: Leptodactylus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Sabinal Frog (Leptodactylus melanonotus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Leptodactylus ("slender finger") melanonotus ("black backed")

Adult Sabinal Frog (Leptodactylus melanonotus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: ?  /  Length: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small, highly versatile frog which can be found in a huge variety of habitats and is highly tolerant of degraded habitats being found from anything from mangroves to tropical forest to pasture and urban areas. It reproduces by digging a burrow and building a nest out of bubbles in areas that will flood, and when it does the tadpoles will hatch, thoguh if it fails the female will dig a channel to water.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura
Family: Leptodactylidae
Genus: Leptodactylus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A common and widespread resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Forrer's Grass Frog (Lithobates forreri)

OTHER NAMES: Forrer's Leopard Frog
Latin Etymology:  Lithobates ("Rock climber") forreri ("Forrer's")   

Adult Forrer's Grass Frog (Lithobates forreri) at Alajuela, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: ? /  Length: 12cm 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A fairly large frog of Central America, found from Mexico to Costa Rica - they are a relation of other New World larger species such as the American Bullfrog and the Leopard Frogs. They are fairly tolerant of human activity and will breed in man made habitats readily, however, they do require permenant pools to breed in.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura 
Family: Ranidae 
Genus: Lithobates 
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A widespread resident

- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Alajuela 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Slim-fingered Rain Frog (Craugastor crassidigitus)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Craugastor ("dry belly") crassidigitus ("thick digits")

Slim-fingered Rain Frog (Craugastor crassidigitus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A

Weight: ?  /  Length: ? 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A small frog of Central and South America where it is found in a wide variety of habitats ranging from tropical forests to arable land, pastures and plantations and even degraded former forests. They are a very variable species which can come in a wide range of browns reds, greys and more.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura
Family: Craugastoridae
Genus: Craugastor
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
Widespread Resident
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Fitzinger's Robber Frog (Craugastor fitzingeri)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Craugastor ("dry belly") fitzingeri (for naturalist Leopard Fitzinger)

Adult Fitzinger's Robber Frog (Craugastor fitzingeri) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: g/kg  /  Length: 2.4-5.3cm 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species of frog found from Honduras to Colombia, they occur in humid forests up to 1500m in altitude, and is found in disturbed forests and forests edges. They live in leaf litter but will climb to more elevated positions like logs and low bushes at night to feed and call. They can be quite variable in pattern and colouration.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Anura
Family: Craugastoridae
Genus: Craugastor
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA 
A common and widespread species.
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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