Ohio has many sights to see, from rolling plains to hilly scenery—farmland and forests. Wildlife is no letdown, either—there are tons of species you might not even know existed if you’re native to the state.
Ohio has ten frog species to speak of, all of which have a distinct look at setting them apart from the rest. If you just spotted a little amphibian outside and want more information, use this guide to help you out.
1. Gray Treefrog
Scientific name Hyla versicolor
Status Common
Size 2.5 inches
The gray treefrog lives in the state and has pretty high numbers. These frogs are completely nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. You might have heard a male singing from the trees at night, emitting a call that attacks mates and repels threats.
The gray treefrog lives up to its name, touting rough skin that changes from grayish-green to nearly white, adding an extra layer of camouflage protection. These arboreal frogs have sticky fingers and toes to grip branches high up in the treetops.
Adults only reach a maximum of 2.5 inches, with females outweighing their male counterparts. Both genders are equally vulnerable to predators, which include birds, snakes, and other small mammals. Gray treefrogs snack on a medley of insects.
2. Wood Frog
Scientific name Lithobates sylvaticus
Status Common
Size 3.25 inches
Wood frogs are very hardy amphibians that fare very well in cooler climates. This terrestrial species finds refuge in thick forests, woodlands, and other similar areas.
You can recognize a wood frog by color, as they range from beige to brown with dark (nearly black) facial masks. Unlike many other species, females have brighter colors than their male counterparts.
Interestingly, these frogs can survive in northern states all the way up to Alaska. These frogs will completely freeze to combat harsh winters—no heartbeat, no breath—and reanimate in spring months. Their bodies fill with a natural substance that protects cells and other vital organs during the process.
3. Spring Peeper
Scientific name Pseudacris crucifer
Status Common
Size 1 inch
The petite spring peeper got its name from the behavior it displays in spring months. Once these little frogs get a taste of oncoming life in their bones, they start to sing in celebration. You can find them dwelling in heavily wooded areas to dense meadows—and they are usually near a water source.
These frogs range from beige to brown, with a distinct X on their backs. Even though these frogs have the toe pads necessary for tree climbing, they don’t utilize this skill often. Usually, you can find them on the forest floors hiding among the logs and leaves.
These carnivores feast on a variety of insects, but they aren’t exempt from becoming prey themselves. These little horderves make quite the snack themselves for other wildlife, include snakes, birds, and larger frogs.
4. Northern Leopard Frog
Scientific name Lithobates pipiens
Status Common
Size 4.5 inches
The northern leopard frog is a smooth-skinned amphibian that has slowly declined in population, despite its widespread distribution. There is no real known cause among scientists, but the theory is it’s due to deforestation and pollution.
These frogs have a display of spots covering their body with pearl underbellies. Females outweigh their male counterparts, but males and females are otherwise indistinguishable.
These frogs dwell near moist areas such as swamps and wetlands, but they also enjoy meadows—preferring an area that can offer both. Turning the tables on the predator/prey dynamic, these frogs are voracious eaters—they can eat other frogs, birds, and sometimes even smaller snakes.
5. Cope’s Gray Treefrog
Scientific name Hyla chryoscelis
Status Common
Size 3 inches
These guys encompass a large area, ranging over most eastern US states, including Ohio. These arboreal frogs are indistinguishable from their hyla versicolor cousins, but scientists recently discovered differences among them, like their faster trill.
These frogs are a look-but-don’t-touch example, secreting a toxic substance through their skin as a defense mechanism. While it can’t kill you, it can cause eye and other soft tissue irritation that can be quite uncomfortable.
Cope’s gray treefrogs love swampy, grassy, and wooded areas to dwell. They eat a diet of insects found in the treetops. However, they must be careful of natural predators themselves. Thanks to their excellent bark-matching power, it’s quite easy to stay tucked out of sight.
6. Pickerel Frog
Scientific name Lithobates palustris
Status Uncommon
Size 3 inches
The little pickerel frog is native to Ohio as well as many other parts of the United States. You might notice that these frogs are very similar to the previously discussed northern leopard frogs. However, they have squared markings rather than spots.
These frogs secrete a mildly toxic substance through their skin to ward off potential predators as a defense mechanism. They usually snack on a medley of insects, but they can also eat insects and invertebrates.
Also See: 5 Frogs Found in Alaska (with Pictures)
7. Western Chorus Frog
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Scientific name Pseudacris maculata
Status Common
Size 1.5 inches
The tiny western chorus frog is a nocturnal amphibian that prefers to go unseen. Since they don’t come out during the daytime, even an Ohio native may never run into one. They love to live in cool, damp environments, like swamps and marshes.
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A post shared by Joshua Wallace (@wildwallacephotography)
A post shared by Joshua Wallace (@wildwallacephotography)
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These frogs have such impressive pipes that you can hear them up to a mile away. However, they don’t sing often when they can help it to keep themselves safe from predators. Typically, they reserve this behavior for mating and communication.
8. Mountain Chorus Frog
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Scientific name P. brachyohona
Status Common
Size 1.25 inches
Mountain chorus frogs are part of the hylindae family. They love hanging out in ditches and streams, happily content with minimal but adequate running water.
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A post shared by NatureServe (@natureserveorg)
They typically inhabit woodlands and mountainsides, withstanding higher elevations than some can. These frogs are equipped with the sensory necessary to deal with these living conditions.
They have both high and low pitch vocalizations, depending on their mood. These frogs are typically solid colored, ranging from olive to brown in color—which is a perfect camouflage to blend right in.
9. Northern Green Frog
Scientific name Rana clamitans melanota
Status Common
Size 4.5 inches
The northern green frog is a highly prevalent species, existing in every county in Ohio. Even though these guys are plentiful in the wild, they are equally as standard in the pet trade. They are desirable because they are gentle and easy to care for.
These frogs love hanging out in muddy, damp places like marshes and swamps. They are semi-aquatic, alternating between land and water as needed.
These frogs don’t favor day or night. They can be active at either period and have proper senses for navigating both.
10. Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
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Scientific name Acris Blanchard
Status Endangered
Size 1.5 inches
The Blanchard’s cricket frog loves to eat—you guessed it—crickets. This warty-skinned frog is recognizable due to its super rough skin. They love to hang out next to water sources, taking advantage of all the scrumptious food selections.
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A post shared by Matthew Hammond (@little_metal_weirdo)
Even though these guys are pretty remarkable creatures, they are also heavily protected. The cricket frog is threatened, meaning that the numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss.
Conclusion
So, when you’re out in your garden appreciating the sweet sounds of nature, you might recognize one of these frogs hanging out. Or maybe, you familiarize yourself with the songs, and learn to pick out their voices.
Ohio has some pretty terrific frogs to check out. Which one of these fascinating froggies caught your attention most?
- Related Read: How to Take Care of a Pet Frog (Care Sheet & Guide 2021)
Featured Image Credit by Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock
