Throaty croaks coming from the lakeside probably mean frogs. Or could it be toads? How can you tell the difference between frogs and toads? Both are amphibious, meaning they are cold blooded creatures that have gills in their youth and develop lungs as adults. In fact, it may surprise you to find out that toads are actually a type of frog.
Frogs live near the water, while their warty kin prefer drier areas like gardens. There are more than 400 species of frogs, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. While they are related, there are some basic ways to tell the two apart.
Frogs have moist, slimy skin and bulging eyes, along with webbed hind feet and long back legs. They shed their skin about once per week and usually eat the sloughed off skin. Their eggs are laid in clusters resembling bunches of grapes. Toads are known for their dry, bumpy skin and stubby bodies. They have shorter hind legs and lay eggs in long chains. Contrary to old wives tales, you can’t get warts from touching a toad or a frog.

Freaky Frog Facts:
- Frogs use their eyes to help them swallow. When they swallow, they blink and their eyeballs push down on the top of their mouth to help push food down their throat.
- The skin of the aptly named glass frog is so translucent that you can see its heart beating and food digesting.
- A group of frogs is called an army.
- The Goliath frog is the largest frog in the world. Residents of West Africa, these hefty fellows can grow up to a foot in length and weigh more than 7 pounds!
The North American wood frog “dies” each winter and is resurrected in the spring. As temperatures fall, the wood frog’s breathing and heartbeat slow down and eventually stop. When spring comes, the frog thaws out and its bodily functions return to normal. Next time you’re on the trail and encounter a hopping green reptile, you’ll surely know the difference between frogs and toads!
For other similar but different species in the animal kingdom, take a look at What’s the Difference Between Crocodiles and Alligators? and The Difference Between Butterflies and Moths.
Featured Image from Joel Henry/Unsplash