IDENTIFICATION

 

Size:                  A medium to large sized frog measuring 2 to 3 inches in

                           length.

 

Color:                The dorsum and legs vary in color from light brown to

                           gray or grayish green and are scattered with tubercles;

                           typically two to three per pigmented spot. The venter is

                           pure white, sometimes with a spot on breastbone; males

                           have pigmented throats.   A prominent vertebral stripe

                           often occurs. 

 

Behavior:         When encountered they may quickly flee or remain still

                           crouching down relying on their cryptic coloration for

                           protection.  When handled they often excrete urine and

                           may vocalize to express alarm and distress.  When

                           ingestion by predators is imminent they puff up and

                           excrete a distasteful toxin from their parotoid glands

                           located just behind their eyes, often causing the

                           would-be predator to release them. 

    

Habitat:            Prefer open and closed habitats with sandy soils in

                          coastal and low-lying areas across the state.  Breeding

                          habitats are numerous, including seasonal pools,

                          permanent ponds, flood plains and meadows and

                          man-made impoundments.