Amphibians require water for one or more life stages and as such have a restricted distribution in the Sonoran Desert. Insects and prey are often abundant near the rare oasis or riparian stream and so amphibians are also abundant in these restricted habitats.
Red Spotted ToadBufo punctatusSmall to medium-sized toads with skin glands, and red spots. Hunts in margins of riparian streams. More info |
Sonoran Desert ToadBufo alvariusVery large toad emerging at night during summer monsoon season. Prominent paratoid glands. More info |
Couch's SpadefootScaphiopus couchiiPlump toad emerges from dried mud when flooded by summer rains. Mottled pattern. Hard callouses on hind feet. More info |
Canyon Tree FrogHyla arenicolorSmall frog capable of climbing rock faces and hiding well with cryptic coloration. Bright yellow on inner thigh. Riparian canyons. More info |
Lowland Leopard FrogRana yavapaiensisSleek frog found in pools and on muddy banks along riparian streams. Spots on dorsum and bands on thighs. More info |
American Bull FrogLithobates catesbeianusHuge frog which is not native to Arizona. Deep rumbling call of male. More info |
Sonoran
Desert Field Guide
Sonoran Desert Places
Sonoran Desert Naturalist Home Page