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Anura

Anura is an animal belonging to the class Amphibia. Adults are basically tailless. Eggs are usually laid in water and hatch into tadpoles, which breathe with gills. After evolution, adults mainly breathe with lungs, but most skin also has some respiratory function. There are mainly two types of animals: frogs and toads. There is no strict distinction between these two types of animals, and some families include both types. According to the living habits of adults, anura animals can be divided into different groups such as aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial, arboreal, and burrowing.

I. Introduction to Anura

1. Definition and Key Characteristics

  • Taxonomic Placement
    Anura is one of the three orders within the class Amphibia, alongside Caudata (salamanders and newts) and Gymnophiona (caecilians). Anura comprises all modern frogs and toads, with over 7,000 recognized species worldwide. They are found in virtually every terrestrial habitat except the most extreme polar regions, thriving in diverse environments such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas.

  • Morphological and Physiological Traits

    • Body Structure: Anurans typically have a robust, compact body with a short neck, broad head, and no tail in the adult stage. Their limbs are well-developed, with hind limbs adapted for jumping and swimming, and smaller forelimbs for maneuvering.

    • Skin: Their skin is smooth or has small warts, and it is usually moist to facilitate cutaneous respiration. Some species possess specialized glands that secrete toxins as a defense mechanism.

    • Respiration: Anurans primarily breathe through their skin and lungs. The extent of lung development varies among species, with some relying more heavily on cutaneous respiration.

    • Vocalization: Males typically possess vocal sacs that amplify their calls, which are used to attract females and establish territories. Vocalizations are highly species-specific.

  • Lifecycle and Reproduction

    • Reproduction: Most Anurans are oviparous, laying eggs in water or moist environments. Fertilization is usually external, with males releasing sperm over the eggs as females lay them.

    • Development: Anurans undergo indirect development, starting as aquatic tadpoles with gills and a tail. Through metamorphosis, they develop limbs, lose their tails, and transition to a more terrestrial or semi-aquatic adult form.

  • Behavioral Characteristics

    • Locomotion: Anurans are primarily known for their jumping ability, facilitated by their powerful hind limbs. Many species are also excellent swimmers or climbers.

    • Feeding: They are predominantly carnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and worms. Larger species may consume small vertebrates.

    • Defense Mechanisms: Besides toxin secretion, behaviors such as camouflage, playing dead, and swift escape tactics are common defensive strategies.

2. Ecological and Human Relevance

  • Ecological Roles

    • Predators and Prey: Anurans play dual roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control insect populations and serve as vital food sources for birds, reptiles, mammals, and other amphibians.

    • Ecosystem Indicators: Due to their permeable skin and sensitivity to environmental changes, Anurans are excellent bioindicators for assessing ecosystem health and the impacts of pollution and climate change.

    • Nutrient Cycling: Through their feeding and excretion, Anurans contribute to nutrient cycling within aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

  • Economic and Cultural Value

    • Scientific Research: Anurans are extensively studied in fields such as developmental biology, ecology, neurobiology, and toxicology. Their diverse reproductive strategies and regenerative abilities make them valuable model organisms.

    • Pet Trade: Many species, especially brightly colored or uniquely patterned frogs and toads, are popular in the exotic pet market. However, this can lead to issues with invasive species and illegal trade.

    • Cultural Significance: Frogs and toads appear in various cultural myths, folklore, and art, often symbolizing transformation, fertility, and rebirth.

    • Economic Uses: In some regions, frogs are harvested for food, and their skins and secretions are used in traditional medicine and artisanal crafts.

II. Evolutionary History of Anura

  1. Origins and Fossil Record

    • The earliest Anuran fossils date back to the Late Jurassic period (approximately 160 million years ago). These early frogs exhibited both aquatic and terrestrial adaptations, indicating a versatile evolutionary path.

    • Throughout the Mesozoic Era, Anurans diversified significantly, developing a range of morphological and ecological specializations that allowed them to occupy various niches.

  2. Modern Diversification and Adaptations

    • The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and subsequent continental drift facilitated the widespread distribution and speciation of Anurans across different continents.

    • Adaptive radiation led to the evolution of specialized forms, including arboreal tree frogs, burrowing toads, aquatic dart frogs, and highly camouflaged species adapted to diverse environments such as deserts and rainforests.

    • Some lineages developed unique adaptations, such as the ability to vocalize complex calls, produce potent toxins, or exhibit parental care behaviors like egg guarding and tadpole transportation.

  3. Phylogenetic Insights

    • Molecular phylogenetics has significantly refined our understanding of Anuran relationships, revealing deep lineages and clarifying the evolutionary pathways that have led to current diversity.

    • Genetic studies have also shed light on the remarkable evolutionary innovations within Anurans, such as the development of vocal sacs, complex mating calls, and diverse reproductive strategies.

III. Major Classification Table of Anura

The following table outlines the primary families within the Order Anura, along with representative genera and example species. Note that ongoing research may lead to revisions in family and genus classifications.

A. Family Ranidae (True Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
RanaCommon Frog (Rana temporaria), Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Known for their strong jumping abilities and aquatic lifestyles.
LithobatesAmerican Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)Predominantly found in North America. Some species are invasive in other continents due to their adaptability and high reproductive rates.

B. Family Bufonidae (True Toads)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
BufoCommon Toad (Bufo bufo), American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)Found globally, especially in temperate regions. Characterized by warty skin and parotoid glands that secrete toxins.
AnaxyrusEastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Giant Toad (Anaxyrus giganteus)Primarily distributed in North America. Known for their robust bodies and toxin production as a defense mechanism.

C. Family Hylidae (Tree Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
HylaEuropean Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Adapted for arboreal life with adhesive toe pads for climbing.
LitoriaGreen Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea), Red-eyed Tree Frog (Litoria rubella)Native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for their bright colors and vocalizations used in mating displays.

D. Family Mantellidae (Madagascan Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
MantellaGolden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca), Baron's Mantella (Mantella baroni)Endemic to Madagascar. Highly colorful and often toxic, adapted to a variety of habitats from rainforests to dry regions.
BoophisBlue-eyed Frog (Boophis albolineatus), Rainbow Frog (Boophis rondoensis)Also endemic to Madagascar. Arboreal and nocturnal, with distinctive vocalizations and vibrant coloration.

E. Family Leptodactylidae (Southern Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
LeptodactylusStriped Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus), Common Toad (Leptodactylus fallax)Found throughout Central and South America. Exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including foam nesting.
EleutherodactylusCoquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), Common Burrowing Frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei)Native to Central America and the Caribbean. Known for direct development, bypassing the tadpole stage.

F. Family Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
DendrobatesStrawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio), Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)Native to Central and South America. Renowned for their bright colors and toxic skin secretions used by indigenous peoples for poison darts.
PhyllobatesGolden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis), Black-legged Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates bicolor)Found in Colombia and Ecuador. Among the most toxic frogs in the world, utilized in traditional blowgun poisons.

G. Family Pipidae (Tongueless Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
XenopusAfrican Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), Xenopus tropicalisFully aquatic, found in sub-Saharan Africa. Lacks a tongue and relies on suction feeding in water.
PipaSurinam Toad (Pipa pipa), Amazonian Surinam Toad (Pipa myersi)Notable for their flat bodies and unique reproductive behavior, where eggs are embedded in the female's back skin until they hatch.

H. Family Hyperoliidae (Reed Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
HyperoliusCommon Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus), Painted Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)Predominantly found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Small, brightly colored, and highly arboreal, often found in reeds and vegetation near water bodies.

I. Family Bufonidae (True Toads)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
BufoEuropean Common Toad (Bufo bufo), American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)Wide distribution across temperate regions. Known for their warty skin and powerful hind legs adapted for hopping.
AnaxyrusWestern Toad (Anaxyrus boreas), Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)Found primarily in North America. Exhibit a range of colors and patterns, with varying habitat preferences from forests to grasslands.

(Note: The above classification is based on current systematic research. Some genera and families may be subject to revision as molecular studies advance.)

II. Evolutionary History of Anura

  1. Origins and Fossil Record

    • Anura first appeared in the Late Jurassic period, around 160 million years ago, evolving from early amphibian ancestors that possessed both aquatic and terrestrial adaptations.

    • The fossil record includes transitional forms that exhibit a mix of primitive and derived traits, such as varying limb structures and respiratory systems, highlighting the group's adaptive versatility.

  2. Diversification and Adaptive Radiation

    • During the Cretaceous period, Anura underwent significant diversification, adapting to a wide range of ecological niches across different continents.

    • The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea facilitated geographic isolation and subsequent speciation, leading to the rich diversity seen in modern frogs and toads.

    • Adaptive radiation events led to the evolution of specialized forms, such as arboreal tree frogs, burrowing toads, and highly camouflaged species adapted to diverse environments like deserts and rainforests.

  3. Phylogenetic Developments

    • Molecular studies have refined the phylogenetic relationships within Anura, uncovering deep lineages and resolving previously unclear taxonomic groupings.

    • Genetic research has also shed light on the evolutionary innovations within Anurans, such as the development of vocal sacs, complex mating calls, and diverse reproductive strategies like direct development.

III. Major Classification Table of Anura

A. Family Ranidae (True Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
RanaCommon Frog (Rana temporaria), Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Known for their strong jumping abilities and aquatic lifestyles.
LithobatesAmerican Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)Predominantly found in North America. Some species are invasive in other continents due to their adaptability and high reproductive rates.

B. Family Bufonidae (True Toads)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
BufoCommon Toad (Bufo bufo), American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)Found globally, especially in temperate regions. Characterized by warty skin and parotoid glands that secrete toxins.
AnaxyrusEastern Narrow-mouthed Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Giant Toad (Anaxyrus giganteus)Primarily distributed in North America. Known for their robust bodies and toxin production as a defense mechanism.

C. Family Hylidae (Tree Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
HylaEuropean Tree Frog (Hyla arborea), Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Adapted for arboreal life with adhesive toe pads for climbing.
LitoriaGreen Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea), Red-eyed Tree Frog (Litoria rubella)Native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for their bright colors and vocalizations used in mating displays.

D. Family Mantellidae (Madagascan Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
MantellaGolden Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca), Baron's Mantella (Mantella baroni)Endemic to Madagascar. Highly colorful and often toxic, adapted to a variety of habitats from rainforests to dry regions.
BoophisBlue-eyed Frog (Boophis albolineatus), Rainbow Frog (Boophis rondoensis)Also endemic to Madagascar. Arboreal and nocturnal, with distinctive vocalizations and vibrant coloration.

E. Family Leptodactylidae (Southern Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
LeptodactylusStriped Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus), Common Toad (Leptodactylus fallax)Found throughout Central and South America. Exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including foam nesting.
EleutherodactylusCoquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui), Common Burrowing Frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei)Native to Central America and the Caribbean. Known for direct development, bypassing the tadpole stage.

F. Family Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
DendrobatesStrawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio), Dyeing Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)Native to Central and South America. Renowned for their bright colors and toxic skin secretions used by indigenous peoples for poison darts.
PhyllobatesGolden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis), Black-legged Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates bicolor)Found in Colombia and Ecuador. Among the most toxic frogs in the world, utilized in traditional blowgun poisons.

G. Family Pipidae (Tongueless Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
XenopusAfrican Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis), Xenopus tropicalisFully aquatic, found in sub-Saharan Africa. Lacks a tongue and relies on suction feeding in water.
PipaSurinam Toad (Pipa pipa), Amazonian Surinam Toad (Pipa myersi)Notable for their flat bodies and unique reproductive behavior, where eggs are embedded in the female's back skin until they hatch.

H. Family Hyperoliidae (Reed Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
HyperoliusCommon Reed Frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus), Painted Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus)Predominantly found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Small, brightly colored, and highly arboreal, often found in reeds and vegetation near water bodies.

I. Family Ranixalidae (Leptodactylidae Group)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
IndiranaIndian Leptodactylidae (Indirana leptodactyla)Endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Adapted to moist forest environments with specific breeding behaviors.
MinervaryaMinervarya mukhiiFound in South Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. Known for their small size and terrestrial habits.

J. Family Pyxicephalidae (African Frogs)

GenusExample SpeciesDistribution & Notes
PyxicephalusAfrican Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus), Natal Ghost Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)Found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Includes some of the largest frog species, known for their aggressive behavior and powerful jumps.
AmietiaNatal Ghost Frog (Amietia natalensis)Native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Adapted to a variety of habitats, from forests to savannas.

(Note: The above classification is based on current systematic research. Some genera and families may be subject to revision as molecular studies advance.)

III. Evolutionary History of Anura

  1. Origins and Fossil Record

    • Anura first appeared in the Late Jurassic period, around 160 million years ago, evolving from early amphibian ancestors that possessed both aquatic and terrestrial adaptations.

    • The fossil record includes transitional forms that exhibit a mix of primitive and derived traits, such as varying limb structures and respiratory systems, highlighting the group's adaptive versatility.

  2. Diversification and Adaptive Radiation

    • During the Cretaceous period, Anura underwent significant diversification, adapting to a wide range of ecological niches across different continents.

    • The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea facilitated geographic isolation and subsequent speciation, leading to the rich diversity seen in modern frogs and toads.

    • Adaptive radiation events led to the evolution of specialized forms, such as arboreal tree frogs, burrowing toads, and highly camouflaged species adapted to diverse environments like deserts and rainforests.

  3. Phylogenetic Developments

    • Molecular phylogenetics has significantly refined our understanding of Anuran relationships, revealing deep lineages and clarifying the evolutionary pathways that have led to current diversity.

    • Genetic research has also shed light on the evolutionary innovations within Anurans, such as the development of vocal sacs, complex mating calls, and diverse reproductive strategies like direct development.

IV. Summary

  1. Diversity and Global Distribution

    • The Order Anura is highly diverse, encompassing over 7,000 species that occupy a wide array of habitats worldwide. They are predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere but are also present in parts of Central and South America, Asia, and Europe.

    • Their morphological and physiological adaptations have enabled Anurans to thrive in aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial environments, showcasing a remarkable evolutionary success.

  2. Ecological and Human Interactions

    • Anurans play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance as both predators and prey within their respective ecosystems.

    • Due to their permeable skin and sensitivity to environmental changes, they are excellent bioindicators for ecosystem health and the impacts of pollution and climate change.

    • Economically, they are significant in scientific research, the pet trade, and, in some regions, as sources of food and traditional medicine. However, invasive species introductions and illegal trade pose conservation challenges.

  3. Conservation Challenges

    • Many Anuran species face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, disease (such as chytridiomycosis), and overharvesting, leading to declines and extinctions.

    • Conservation efforts include habitat protection, captive breeding programs, legal protections, and initiatives to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

    • Continued research and public education are essential to promote the conservation and sustainable management of Anuran populations.

Conclusion

This "Anuran Classification" details the definition, main characteristics, evolutionary history and main classification system of anurans, aiming to provide you with detailed and easy-to-understand popular science information. For further information on specific families, genera or species (such as morphological characteristics, geographical distribution, and conservation status), it is recommended to refer to professional amphibian information, regional wildlife conservation organization reports, and the latest molecular systematic research literature. I hope this resource will help readers better understand and cherish these colorful and ecologically important amphibians.

Urodela Anura Apoda
poisondartfrog

poisondartfrog

poisondartfrog,poison dart frog, poison dart frog, poison javelin frog

Anura LC

Features：It is the most beautiful frog in the world, but also one of the most poisonous species.

The scientific name of the poison dart frog is poisondartfrog. It is the most beautiful frog in the world and also one of the most poisonous species.Generally speaking, poison dart frogs feed on insects such as fruit flies, crickets, ants, and spiders.Poison dart frogs have special parenting behavio...

Rana luteiventris

Rana luteiventris

Rana luteiventris ，Columbia spotted frog

Anura LC

Features：Green to brown in color with spots on the back

Columbia spotted frog is a species of North American frog.Columbia spotted frog is also known for some of its physical features. It has a long, narrow, upturned eye. Considered a highly aquatic amphibian, the webbed feet extend all the way to the end of its longest toe. When compared to other frogs...

Poison-Dart Frog

Poison-Dart Frog

Poison-Dart Frog

Anura LC

Features：The most beautiful frog in the world, considered the most poisonous vertebrate

The Latin name of the golden poison dart frog is Poison-Dart Frog. The English name of this frog comes from the blow darts of the Ambila people in Colombia. The Ambila people often add venom before hunting with darts. It is the strongest poison dart frog.After a series of complex studies, people fou...

Boulenophrys baolongensis

Boulenophrys baolongensis

Boulenophrys baolongensis,Baolong Heterohorned Toad

Anura LC

Features：This species is similar to the pale-shouldered horned toad, but this species has no marginal membrane on the toes, no webs between the toes, no large dark brown spots on the back of the head and body, and larger dark spots on the chest and abdomen.

The dragon-horned toad hides under the rocks or in the grass by the stream during the day. At night, the male toads often make chirping sounds on the rocks by the stream. They stop chirping under the electric light and do not escape. The tadpoles live in the streams with cool water quality, and ofte...

Oreolalax liangbeiensis

Oreolalax liangbeiensis

Oreolalax liangbeiensis,Liangbei tooth-shaped toad

Anura LC

Features：The warts on the head are small and flat, and the back of the body is covered with warts of different sizes, with more and denser warts towards the back. The back of the body and tail muscles are green-gray with a few dark spots.

The appearance of Liangbei toothed toad is similar to that of Oreolalax major, but the hind limbs of Liangbei toothed toad are shorter, the tibia is less than half of the body length, and the left and right heels just meet; there are no spots on the ventral surface. The lip and tooth pattern of tadp...

Scutiger chintingensis

Scutiger chintingensis

Scutiger chintingensis,Golden-necked Toad

Anura LC

Features：There are webs between the toes, long and prominent warts on the back, and no eardrum. There are two pairs of black thorns on the chest and armpit of the male toad, and there are black thorns on the upper arm and the inside of the forearm. Tadpoles are small and flat.

The golden-crowned toothed toad is flat and narrow, with a head that is almost equal in length and width. It lives in the top streams and their vicinity at an altitude of 2500-3050 meters in the mountains.The adult toads live on land. The breeding season is from the end of May to June. During the da...

Scutiger jiulongensis

Scutiger jiulongensis

Scutiger jiulongensis,Kowloon Cat's Eye Toad

Anura LC

Features：The head is relatively flat, with the width greater than the length; the tip of the snout is round and slightly protrudes from the lower lip, the skin is loose and thick, and the warts on the back of the body are large and flat.

The dragon-toothed toad is an amphibious wild animal of the Anura order and the Ceratophoridae family. It lives in the spring streams of high mountains at an altitude of 3120-3750m or under stones or mud pits in the water ponds of swamps.The toad moves slowly and lays eggs on the bottom of the water...

Scutiger muliensis

Scutiger muliensis

Scutiger muliensis,Muli cat-eyed toad

Anura LC

Features：This species is similar to the spiny-chested toad, but the black spines on the thymus of the male toad of this species are thick and sparse, with 10-26 spines in 10 square millimeters; there are small warts around the anus, thighs and ventral surface.

Muli Toothed Toad is an amphibian of the genus Toothed Toad, with a brown body and a grayish-white belly. It is endemic to China and is distributed in Sichuan (Muli).During the day, adult toads are mostly in and around gentle mountain streams with rich vegetation, generally living in the stream or u...

Scutiger ningshanensis

Scutiger ningshanensis

Scutiger ningshanensis

Anura LC

Features：The appearance is similar to that of the golden-crowned toad, but this species has a nearly rectangular blue patch at the tip of the snout, and a nearly square dark spot between the two eyes on the head that extends to the occipital region.

Pingwu Toothed Toad is an amphibian of the genus Toothed Toad of the family Spadefoot Toad, and is endemic to China.Adult toads are mostly found in small mountain streams with dense vegetation and nearby forests. During the day, they often hide under rocks in the stream or in earth holes on the shor...

Scutiger pingwuensis

Scutiger pingwuensis

Scutiger pingwuensis

Anura LC

Features：The male toad has two pairs of thorns on its chest, and black thorns on the inner sides of its upper arms and forearms; it has no teeth in its upper jaw; its skin is very rough, and almost its entire body is covered with black warts.

Pingwu Toothed Toad is an amphibian of the genus Toothed Toad of the family Spadefoot Toad, and is endemic to China.Adult toads are mostly found in small mountain streams with dense vegetation and nearby forests. During the day, they often hide under rocks in the stream or in earth holes on the shor...

Vibrissaphora ailaonica

Vibrissaphora ailaonica

Vibrissaphora ailaonica,Hairy Beard

Anura LC

Features：The male has 10-24 irregularly arranged black horny spines on each side of the upper lip; when the hind limbs are extended forward, the tibiotarsal joint reaches the posterior corner of the eye.

The name of the Ailao Bearded Toad comes from Ailao Mountain, because it was first discovered in Ailao Mountain in Yunnan in the 1980s; however, it can also be found in the nearby Wuliang Mountain. In Wuliang Mountain, it is also called "Ang" because of its "Ang, Ang" sound.The A...

Leptobrachium boringii

Leptobrachium boringii

Leptobrachium boringii,Emei Moustache Toad,Vibrissaphora boringii,Horned Monster, Bearded Toad, Bearded Toad

Anura LC

Features：The male toad has 5-8 keratin spines on each side of the upper lip, while the female toad has the same number of beige dots on the corresponding parts.

The Emei Bearded Toad is an amphibian of the family Ceratopus and the genus Pseudocercidae. It lives near mountain streams with lush vegetation at an altitude of 700-1700 meters. Adult toads live on land in the grass on the hillside, are not good at jumping, and crawl slowly. Tadpoles mostly move be...

Leptobrachium leishanensis

Leptobrachium leishanensis

Leptobrachium leishanensis,Pupa, Horned Monster

Anura LC

Features：The male toad has two keratin spines on each side of the upper lip, located behind and below the eyes; there is no vocal sac.

The Leishan mustache is an amphibian of the family Ceratopsidae and the genus Pseudomonas. The body is stout. The head is flat and the width of the head is greater than the length of the head. The skin is smooth, loose and wrinkled, and there is a network of skin ridges composed of moles on the back...

Leptobrachium promustache

Leptobrachium promustache

Leptobrachium promustache,Chinese horned monster, bearded frog, Chong'an bearded toad, pit goose, thunder horned monster

Anura LC

Features：The body is small, with about 165-194 irregularly arranged black horny spines on the edge of the upper lip; the male has a single hypopharyngeal vocal sac.

The original bearded toad is an amphibian in southern China. It is a species endemic to China. Compared with other toads, the tadpole period of the bearded toad is long, it is easily eaten by natural enemies, and the survival rate is low, so the original bearded toad is a rare animal in the world. D...

Boulenophrys insularis

Boulenophrys insularis

Boulenophrys insularis,Heterohorned toad，Xenophrys insularis

Anura LC

Features：The body is stout, with a head that is slightly wider than its length; the hind legs are short, with an incomplete triangular spot between the eyes, and dark brown horizontal stripes on the back of the limbs.

The South Australian Island Horned Toad inhabits mountainous streams in humid subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 50-500 meters. It is commonly found on the forest floor, litter layer or nearby bushes.The skin on the back of the toad is rough, scattered with small particles...

Xenophrys shuichengensis

Xenophrys shuichengensis

Xenophrys shuichengensis,Water City Heterohorned Toad

Anura LC

Features：The appearance of this species is similar to that of the spiny-fingered horned toad, but the Shuicheng horned toad is larger in size, and the female toad has a very obvious triangular protrusion on the outer side of the upper eyelid; the male toad has no nuptial spines on its fingers and no vocal sac.

This toad lives in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest mountainous area at an altitude of 1800-1870m. Its living environment is a gentle stream with cool water, dense bushes and weeds on both sides, and many limestone stones in the stream.From April to July, adult toads move near the sourc...

Bufo stejnegeri

Bufo stejnegeri

Bufo stejnegeri,Toad, Glandular Toad，Stejnegeds toad

Anura LC

Features：Small body; no eardrum; the parotid gland is short and slightly round, with a length-to-width ratio of approximately 5:4.

Shi's toad is an amphibian of the genus Toad of the family Toad, commonly known as the toad. In mainland China, it is distributed in Liaoning and other places. It generally lives in weeds and bushes near mountain rivers and likes to live under rocks. Its living altitude range is 200 to 700 meter...

Parapelophryne scalptus

Parapelophryne scalptus

Nectophryne scalptus, Pelophryne scalpta, Pelophryne scalptus

Anura LC

Features：Small body; the first and second fingers are short, there is a dark brown triangular spot between the eyes, and the anus is covered by a small triangular skin fold.

This toad lives in forest areas at an altitude of 350-1400m, mostly living among fallen leaves or on rocks near small mountain streams. The flow of water in the mountain stream is very small, and there are tall trees on both sides of it, and the environment is quite humid.The scaly-skinned swimming...

Ingerophrynus ledongensis

Ingerophrynus ledongensis

Ingerophrynus ledongensis,Helmeted Toad

Anura LC

Features：Similar to the helmet toad, but the supraspinatus ridge of this species is shorter than the parotid gland, and there is a horizontal indentation where the two meet; with gray-brown markings.

Ledong toad, a species of the genus Bufo in the family Bufoidae, lives in evergreen broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 350 to 900 meters.The skin on the top of the head of this toad is smooth and close to the skull. There are scattered warts and small spiny warts on the back. The male toads are...

Torrentophryne aspiniaYang et Rao

Torrentophryne aspiniaYang et Rao

Torrentophryne aspiniaYang et Rao

Anura LC

Features：The dorsal and ventral warts of adults have no spines or keratin granules on the top; the head, body and dorsal sides of the limbs are gray-brown or light brown-yellow, with no dark spots.

This toad lives in mountainous areas at an altitude of 1800-2100m, often living in streams and their sides. The environment is an agricultural area, where crops such as corn, peas or buckwheat are planted; the woodlands are mostly walnuts, pine forests and broad-leaved trees.There is a cluster breed...

Hoplobatrachus chinensis

Hoplobatrachus chinensis

Hoplobatrachus chinensis,Hoplobatrachus rugulosus,Water chicken, frog, green chicken, mud frog, toad

Anura LC

Features：Tiger frogs are large and have high economic value. Like other frogs, tiger frogs feed mainly on agricultural pests.

Tiger frogs often live in water places such as rice fields, ditches, ponds, reservoirs, swamps, etc. below 900 meters above sea level. Their habitats change with different life periods such as foraging, breeding, and wintering. In the breeding season, they mainly move in still water and shallow wate...

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